DRC: a citizens’ march in support of peace and the diplomatic efforts of President Tshisekedi
In Butembo, North Kivu, a breath of hope and solidarity swept through the streets. Thousands of citizens answered the call from civil society organizations to demand an end to the hostilities in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), 90 days after the occupation of Goma by M23 rebels.
This peaceful mobilization reflects the profound desire for peace of a population tested by years of conflict, but also its renewed confidence in presidential initiatives aimed at restoring stability.
Under the presidency of Félix Tshisekedi, the DRC has made peace and territorial integrity national priorities. The recent signing of a declaration of principles between Kinshasa and Kigali
in Washington, in the presence of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, testifies to a major diplomatic shift.
The joint commitment to respect sovereignty and borders, strengthen economic transparency, and facilitate the return of displaced people marks a step forward that was welcomed by the demonstrators in Butembo, who brandished messages of unity and patriotism.
President Tshisekedi has always placed national sovereignty and regional integration at the heart of his actions.
This active diplomacy, coupled with pressure for the demilitarization of occupied zones, embodies a clear political will to restore peace through negotiation and investment in development.
The march in Butembo, calm yet determined, echoes this dynamic. It is a reminder that peace is a citizen demand as much as a governmental objective.
It remains to be hoped that this common will, from the people and their leaders, will finally allow the page of violence in Eastern DRC to be turned.
Gilbert FOTSO
