DRC President Tshisekedi Skips EAC Meeting, Vows DRC Wont Be Humiliated Amid Tensions with Rwanda
Tshisekedi Skips EAC Meeting, Vows DRC Wont Be Humiliated Amid Tensions with Rwanda
DRC President Felix Tshisekedi Skips EAC Emergency Meeting, Delivers Defiant Address
Kinshasa – In a bold move on Monday, President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) skipped an emergency East African Community (EAC) meeting, instead delivering a defiant national address in which he vowed that Kinshasa "will not let itself be humiliated or crushed." The speech came amid escalating tensions with neighboring Rwanda.
Tshisekedi accused Rwanda of sending "thousands of soldiers" into the DRCs eastern region, particularly in and around the strategic city of Goma, further exacerbating the already volatile situation in the area. His statements reflect ongoing frustrations within the DRC government, which has repeatedly accused Rwanda of backing the M23 rebel group, active in eastern DRC.
The DRC leaders absence from the EAC summit, which was convened to address regional security concerns, has drawn attention as diplomatic efforts to ease tensions between the two nations continue to falter. Tshisekedis strong words suggest that the DRC is prepared to take a more confrontational stance as it faces both internal security challenges and external accusations of foreign interference.
The crisis in eastern DRC, characterized by violence and displacement of civilians, has led to mounting calls from international actors for a peaceful resolution. However, Tshisekedis speech highlights the deepening divide and the complexities of regional diplomacy in the heart of Africa.
President Ruto is clear on the war in eastern #Congo: it’s not about Rwanda and the DRC, nor is it about Kagame and Tshisekedi, but about the citizens (M23) and their government. He warned #SADC that no military force will solve the conflict; what is needed is dialogue. pic.twitter.com/f1VXBmr60W
— Janvier POPOTE (@JanvierPopote) May 24, 2024
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