DRC should address its own problems

The Government in Kinshasa cracked under the pressure of propagandists and chose to side with those who are unhappy to see the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) working closely with Rwanda to address issues of mutual interest.On Saturday, Congolese government spokesperson, Lambert Mende, publicly accused Kigali of “passivity” in light of the renewed clashes in the country’s eastern North Kivu province, and went on to recycle earlier allegations by other parties that some rebels had been trained in Rwanda.Yet up till now there is no evidence that Rwanda has served as a training ground for members of the M23 Movement, or any other links between Kigali and the rebels.The Rwandan government has demonstrated commitment to a peaceful DRC – first, by helping end the previous conflict when it successfully mediated between Kinshasa and the CNDP rebels in 2009, and then actively and openly engaging the DRC to try and find a peaceful settlement of the renewed hostilities.Ever since the war broke out more than a month ago, Kigali was not only disappointed but responded immediately, as a responsible and concerned neighbour, by organising a series of high-level political and military meetings between the two countries to help contain the situation. Agreements were reached and a joint plan of action drawn.Unfortunately, Kinshasa has turned around and sought to stab its partner in the back by embracing false rumours and baseless speculation, even as both sides were just about to release results from a joint verification team.Nonetheless, DRC can still save the situation. It is never too late to make peace. First, Kinshasa needs to acknowledge that the issues in North Kivu are their own and not anyone else’s. They should openly engage with anyone who is genuinely willing to help address the issue. Looking around for scapegoats won’t provide the answers.

Opinions

DRC should address its own problems