What You Need to Know
President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo met with French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss the humanitarian and security situation in Eastern Congo. Their discussions included the need for a ceasefire, the withdrawal of armed groups, and the importance of international support for stability in the region.
Africa-Press. President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo met with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace in Paris during a working visit to France.
According to announcements from both countries, the discussions focused on the developments in the humanitarian and security situation in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as exploring avenues for bilateral cooperation between Kinshasa and Paris on several issues of mutual interest.
The official reception for President Félix Tshisekedi at the Élysée Palace was friendly, with both presidents exchanging smiles, hugs, and prolonged handshakes before holding a meeting that lasted about an hour and a half. They addressed regional and international issues, primarily the escalating crisis in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
On the security front, several sources reported that President Emmanuel Macron emphasized that international efforts should primarily focus on establishing an effective, lasting, and verifiable ceasefire to help ease tensions and stop the suffering of civilians in conflict-affected areas.
The two presidents also discussed the latest developments on the ground in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly the withdrawal of the Alliance of Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Congo/23 March Movement from the city of Ouvira. In this context, the French president reiterated his country’s support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of Congo, affirming full respect for its constitution and legitimate institutions.
Paris welcomed the return of Congolese authorities to the city of Ouvira two days prior, while also urging the March 23 Movement to cease its attacks and withdraw from Congolese territories that it illegally occupies. France also called for Rwandan forces to leave Congolese territory in a bid to calm the situation and restore stability to the region.
The discussions also touched on the status of Goma Airport, which remains closed, including to humanitarian flights, further complicating the humanitarian situation in the region and hindering aid delivery to affected populations.
On the humanitarian front, the two presidents discussed the arrival of Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, in Goma as part of UN efforts to assess the situation on the ground and support the peacekeeping mission in the country.
In conclusion, both sides emphasized the importance of continued international and regional coordination to support stability in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, alleviate civilian suffering, and uphold the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has faced ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises, particularly in the eastern regions, for decades. Various armed groups, including the March 23 Movement, have contributed to instability, leading to significant civilian suffering and displacement. International efforts have been made to address these challenges, but the situation remains complex and requires coordinated responses from multiple stakeholders.
In recent years, diplomatic engagements, such as meetings between Congolese and foreign leaders, have aimed to foster cooperation and support for peacekeeping efforts.
