Bilateral relations between the two countries came to somewhat of a standstill under the former DRC President Joseph Kabila. It is under these arduous circumstances that the current DRC President Felix Tshisekedi must now attempt to build peace. While his efforts have been seen as unconventional by some, Tshisekedi’s pragmatism has represented for many a welcomed breath of fresh air. The presidential handover from Kabila to Tshisekedi in 2019 has therefore represented a diplomatic sea change, with the DRC now benefitting from stronger relations with its neighbours and setting the stage for improved long-term stability in the region. As Belgium’s King Philippe was keen to remind the international community during his visit, the situation in the DRC’s east simply “cannot continue.” Tshisekedi’s diplomatic sea change may just be the region’s best chance at peace.

Source: The North Africa Journal June 24, 2022 08:45 UTC