In an exclusive interview with Le Figaro, he reflected on his recent meeting with Rwandan President Paul Kagame in Qatar and addressed the region's conflicts and resource challenges.
Tshisekedi and Kagame met in Doha under the mediation of the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The talks aimed to ease hostilities between the two nations, but no concrete agreements emerged.
'The meeting was conducted in a good atmosphere. The first step was taken with the support of Qatari envoys. The key issue was ensuring an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. Talks must continue to reach a sustainable solution,' Tshisekedi said.
Despite efforts to engage the M23 rebel group in peace negotiations, talks in Angola collapsed after M23 refused to participate, citing sanctions imposed by the European Union on its leaders. Tshisekedi insisted that solutions must come through regional dialogue processes.
'The search for a definitive solution to the Congolese crisis is guided by the Luanda and Nairobi dialogue processes, initiated by the African Union and supported by regional organizations and the United Nations,' he said.
Mineral resources and military reforms
Tshisekedi also addressed concerns about the DRC's vast mineral wealth and ongoing negotiations with the United States. He rejected fears of rushed deals and emphasized the need for fair trade agreements.
'What I absolutely want to avoid is a sell-off or rushed agreements,' he said. 'The goal is a win-win partnership that allows the DRC to process its minerals locally, create added value, and develop a value chain.
As much as possible, raw material processing should take place here with investors who contribute to building the energy infrastructure that we lack.'
Another major issue is the presence of the FDLR, an armed group accused of harboring former génocidaires from the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Rwanda sees them as a security threat, but Tshisekedi downplayed their influence.
'Disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration are key. The FDLR is a residual force with no more than 750 fighters. It is insignificant compared to M23,' he stated. Tshisekedi acknowledged the weaknesses of the Congolese army, including corruption and poor pay, but noted ongoing reforms.
'Our army has about 100,000 soldiers,' he said. 'A soldier's salary was $100 per month, but we have now increased it. A soldier on the frontlines can now earn up to $500 per month.'
He also reaffirmed the DRC's neutral stance on global conflicts, despite condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine. 'We are not in conflict with Russia,' he said. 'The DRC is an invaded country, just like Ukraine.'
Despite the ongoing challenges, Tshisekedi remains adamant that the DRC will not be divided. 'I have always believed in the Congolese people's desire for a united and indivisible Congo,' he asserted. 'I promise you that it will not happen, at least not in my lifetime.'
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/tshisekedi-calls-for-lasting-peace-amid-rwanda-tensions
