DRC President Tshisekedi makes strategic working visit to South Africa
The President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, conducted a working visit to South Africa on Thursday at the invitation of his counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa. Though brief, the trip holds strategic importance for strengthening bilateral ties between Kinshasa and Pretoria.
Arriving early in the morning at a military airport in Pretoria, the Congolese head of state was welcomed by South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Thandi Moreka.
Following a short protocol ceremony, the presidential motorcade proceeded to the Union Buildings, the seat of the South African government.
It was here that Presidents Tshisekedi and Ramaphosa held a one-on-one meeting, followed by a working lunch with their respective delegations.
This visit occurs as both nations seek to deepen their multidimensional cooperation.
Key discussion topics included political and diplomatic partnership, security collaboration in a region marked by persistent instability, and enhanced economic and financial exchanges.
South Africa is a major partner for the DRC on the continent, playing a critical role in regional peacekeeping initiatives as well as in investment and trade.
President Tshisekedi aims to reinforce this relationship, particularly through new projects in mining, energy, and infrastructure.
Accompanying the president was a lean but strategic delegation, including the Vice Prime Minister of Defense Guy Kabongo, Minister of Foreign Affairs Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, and Finance Minister Doudou Fwamba.
The composition of the team underscores the importance placed on security and economic matters during these talks.
Beyond the brevity of the visit, this meeting reflects both countries’ commitment to revitalizing their cooperation and strengthening their roles on the African stage. It aligns with a shared vision of regional integration and strategic partnership between two nations bound by history and geopolitics.
Gilbert FOTSO
