He was speaking on RBA's Inkuru mu Makuru program where he analyzed the resolutions from the February 8, 2025, summit in Tanzania, that brought together leaders from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to address the conflict in eastern DRC.
One of the key resolutions from the summit was to restart direct negotiations between the Congolese government and various armed groups, particularly M23.
Despite this resolution, President Tshisekedi has repeatedly stated that he will not negotiate with M23, which he labels a terrorist organization.
When asked whether Tshisekedi might reconsider, Senator Uwizeyimana asserted that refusing to negotiate would lead to the collapse of his forces, warning that 'they will be marched all the way to Kinshasa.'
'There are two options: either you negotiate and find a solution, or you face the consequences of firepower. And right now, on the battlefield, the advantage is not on his side,' he added.
Uwizeyimana emphasized that the next step is to determine whether the agreements will be implemented, especially since both EAC and SADC have acknowledged that negotiations are the best way forward.
However, he raised concerns about Burundi deploying more troops to eastern DRC, suggesting that this could hinder efforts to enforce the peace resolutions.
Rwandan EAC Parliament member, Ambassador Fatuma Ndangiza, also participated in the discussion and described the summit's resolutions as a positive step toward resolving insecurity in eastern DRC.
She warned that if Tshisekedi remains defiant, his country could face fragmentation, or his government could be overthrown by Congolese citizens fighting for their rights.
'There are many historical examples. Take South Sudan, for instance. It fought a 50-year war to gain independence from Sudan, which had denied them citizenship and imposed discriminatory policies based on race and religion. Despite Sudan's military power, South Sudan eventually won its sovereignty,' she explained.
Ndangiza also drew parallels with Rwanda's history, recalling how the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) waged a liberation war after the Habyarimana regime refused to recognize the rights of Rwandan refugees.
'When people fight for their rights, it may take time, but they ultimately prevail,' she said.
She urged Tshisekedi to embrace dialogue with M23, arguing that military force alone cannot resolve the conflict.
'You can suppress them today, but because they are fighting for a cause, their children and grandchildren will continue the struggle. Tshisekedi's best option is to seek peace and resolve the issue through negotiations,' she concluded.
Ndangiza noted that agreeing to talks with M23 and implementing the agreement could lead to lasting peace.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/analysts-sound-alarm-on-tshisekedi-s-hardline-approach-to-m23
