Why should the DRC sign the DRC-Rwanda agreement? For what geopolitical gain? At what cost and with what consequences for international treaties? If it’s for friendship, would the offer of political exile be enough for this or that person? These are all questions that rack the brains of Stephen Bwansa, a Congolese living in China, regarding the peace agreement recently signed in Washington. In this analysis, which your media outlet provides in full in the following lines, he questions these commitments made between the two countries, given the opacity that characterizes them.
First, I would like to thank the American people, and through them President Donald Trump, for responding favorably to the call of the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Félix Tshisekedi-Tshilombo, for Congo to regain security, stability, peace, equality, and development.Unless I’m mistaken, I understand that the Congolese government’s approach primarily involves ending the current war between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda.However, so far, the signed document is not legally binding; it appears vague and less elaborate, given the path still to be taken by all stakeholders.We also understand why the first citizen of the United States of America places greater emphasis on respecting the commitments of these two governments, in order to finally hope for peace.The preamble to the agreement already reveals the foundations, objectives, and means for peace, namely:– Respect for regional and international commitments;– The peaceful resolution of the conflict and disputes between the DRC and RWANDA.UN Security Council Resolution 2773, as contained in the Peace Agreement, is a specific measure aimed at responding to the crisis facing our motherland. While the United Nations Charter is the organization’s founding document, defining its general principles and objectives.
So, what can we learn from the preamble to this agreement?
1.
The American government, through the Africa Department and under the leadership of President Trump, wants a peaceful resolution of the conflict, including with the AFC/M23.
2.
The first conclusion defines the second, namely: no direct intervention by the American military in regional conflicts in Central Africa. Otherwise, Mr. Trump would already be sending ground troops, as in the Middle East or Ukraine.
So all the actors, including those of the AFC/M23, must come together under one roof and resolve the conflict.
Rejecting this approach by one of the parties will probably be… You can guess the response and the consequences.
3.
The political will of the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo to invite the United States to secure the Congo is very complex and complicated, or practically impossible, despite President Trump’s goodwill.
4.
Why does he have to do this?
– For what geopolitical interest?
– At what cost and with what consequences for international treaties?
– If it’s for friendship, the offer of political exile would be enough for this or that person.
5.
The political instability in the Democratic Republic of Congo seems to be the very cause of the conditionality of American direct investment. At least, let’s say so for now.
6.
LET US REMEMBER:
The road has only just begun, and to find peace, we must be able to make political sacrifices and concessions with all stakeholders, without distinction.
7.
TERRITORIAL INTEREST:
Here again, the agreement requires an amicable settlement.
– Respect for International Humanitarian Law, including within the framework of the implementation of the contract.
– This paragraph sets conditions…
– The free movement of civilians… My question is, which country currently has free movement problems?
– Perhaps it’s RWANDA, but I don’t think so.
– Therefore, it is up to the nation whose free movement is problematic to organize its territorial space in order to benefit from peace, freedom, development, and economic growth.
8.REGIONAL ECONOMIC INTEGRATION FRAMEWORK
I was going to emphasize this based on my limited personal experience in the international field and with the powers.
Never seek, because of your personal interests, to bring major economic and military powers into conflict. They understand the value of interests very well. They know how to get along and agree on more complex matters. Never pit them against each other. Because we would end up paying a very high price. And the trash heap very often falls to those who cling to all the shining ones.
I think we have all read and then drawn all the conclusions regarding economic and monetary sovereignty, and competition in regional and international trade.
I hope we have ensured the country’s leadership role by 2050?
Since today it is clear that this agreement is not the work of Joseph Kabila or his government, nor that of Corneille Nanga or the AFC/M23?
Conclusion
I think this agreement does not represent the American dream.
In a geopolitically unbalanced world, we, the Democratic Republic of Congo, must work towards a balanced approach, reassuring our citizens of our ability to govern for the well-being of the Congolese and the world.
Now that we have chosen the United States as mediator, excuses and political acrobatics that could undermine this agreement risk discrediting and sidelining the nation, which will play a sideline.
The AFC/M23, it seems, has free rein to strategically impose its will in the future. “The future will tell us more.”
And former President Joseph Kabila seems, after this signing, to be strengthening his legitimacy as one of the essential keys in the regional and international political scene in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
We understand that the weight of the President of the Republic, His Excellency Félix Tshikédi Tshilombo, is becoming increasingly heavy to bear. Currently, Kinshasa is responsible for the history being written and the future of our country.
This responsibility, in the face of our shared history, is so heavy to bear that only the Congo must remain at the center of all political issues.
Our eyes are now all fixed on the Palace of the Nation so that the guarantor of the Nation can unite all the sons and daughters of the country, without distinction, for the rebirth of a strong, truly rich, prosperous, and sovereign Congo.
Together, the Congo always wins.
Stephen BWANSA MABELE
