The Head of State of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Félix Tshisekedi, reiterated his refusal to enter into dialogue with the M23 rebellion which clashes in the east of the country with the Congolese armed forces (FARDC) and which would be supported, according to Kinshasa, by Rwanda.
“There is no question of political dialogue with this group. I say it and I want to make it clear, there will never be any question of it”, he indicated, Thursday, April 13 in Kinshasa, during an interview with the Swiss President, Alain Berset, concerning the security crisis that is going through the eastern Congolese part.
The Congolese leader opposes any dialogue “simply because it is through this kind of dialogue that they (the rebels, editor’s note) take advantage of the situation to infiltrate us. Infiltrate elements that will later create fallacious claims and justify their aggression against the DRC”.
Alain Berset has been on a four-day official visit to the DRC since Wednesday April 12. Supporting Kinshasa, he recalled the UN report which had, according to him, « very clear words on the participation of neighboring countries which finance the M23 group ».
“We are certainly not here to tell the DRC how the problem should be solved. Rather, on the contrary, in essence, provide support, visibility, a presence to bring this debate to the international level, also within the framework of the Security Council. And we are very attached to the territorial integrity of any country,” he said.
During his stay, a trip to the east of the country is planned, notably to Goma and Bukavu where he should meet war displaced persons, victims of atrocities by armed groups including the M23.
By OMA Newsletter N° 1133 of 14/04/2023
Article published under the direction of Dr. Najib Kettani
The OMA, NGO with an Intercontinental vocation
For the development of cultural exchanges
Valuing human potential
The promotion and consolidation of Africa’s development, and
Inter-African integration
