Diaspora, Africa – (African Boulevard News) – In a surprising turn of events, the support within the Félix Tshisekedi administration for the renewal of the East African Community (EAC) regional force in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is far from unanimous. Despite the prevailing preference in Kinshasa, President Tshisekedi agreed on September 5th to extend the presence of the EAC force in the eastern part of the country for an additional three months.
The decision has sparked mixed reactions among government officials and the public alike. While some argue that the EAC force has played a crucial role in maintaining stability and peace in the region, others remain skeptical about its efficacy and raise concerns about the influence it may have on DRC’s sovereignty.
One of the key proponents of the force’s renewal is DRC’s Minister of Defense, Aimé Ngoy Mukena. He believes that the EAC force has made significant strides in combating armed groups and securing the volatile eastern region. Mukena highlights the importance of international cooperation to tackle the complex security challenges faced by the DRC.
However, not everyone in the Tshisekedi administration shares the same enthusiasm. Senior officials, who choose to remain anonymous, express reservations about the renewal of the EAC force. They argue that while the force’s presence may have initially brought some stability, it has failed to address the root causes of conflict in the region. These officials believe that a more comprehensive approach is needed to address the underlying socioeconomic and political issues that fuel violence in the east.
Critics of the EAC force also raise concerns about its impact on DRC’s sovereignty. They argue that the presence of foreign troops on Congolese soil undermines the country’s ability to fully exercise its sovereignty and maintain control over its territories. They suggest that the DRC should focus on strengthening its own security forces and enhancing regional cooperation with its neighbors, rather than relying heavily on external military intervention.
Despite the differing opinions within the Tshisekedi administration, the decision to extend the EAC force’s presence for three more months has been made. This move highlights the complexities involved in addressing security challenges in the DRC and the need for a multifaceted approach.
As the debate continues, it is clear that the renewal of the EAC force is not a unanimous decision within the Tshisekedi administration. The contrasting viewpoints reflect the ongoing struggle to find the most effective and sustainable solutions to the security challenges faced by the DRC.
Sources:
– Africaintelligence.com: https://www.africaintelligence.com/central-africa/2023/09/18/tshisekedi-administration-s-support-for-renewal-of-eac-force-far-from-unanimous,110054042-art
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