Félix Tshisekedi Sworn in for Second Term Amid Uncertainty in DR Congo: Can He Achieve Peace?
In the midst of a disputed election, Félix Tshisekedi takes oath for a second term as President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo).
With over 70% of the population living in extreme poverty and ongoing conflicts, Tshisekedi faces the challenge of bringing long-awaited peace to the nation.
Tshisekedi’s promise to address unrest in eastern DR Congo, where armed groups vie for control of valuable minerals, has yet to see lasting results.
Despite military initiatives in his first term, such as a state of siege in certain provinces, violence persists.
Efforts to ease insecurity through negotiations with African leaders have stalled, and Tshisekedi must now shift focus from short-term military solutions to sustainable reforms, says Richard Moncrieff of the International Crisis Group.
The withdrawal of UN peacekeepers and the threat of war with Rwanda add complexity to the situation. Tshisekedi accuses Rwanda of supporting rebel groups, a claim Rwanda denies. The possibility of military conflict between the two nations looms, with Rwanda’s formidable army posing a challenge to DR Congo’s less disciplined forces.
The Congolese people not only seek the defeat of armed groups but also expect Tshisekedi to address ethnic disputes and the political fallout from the contested elections. As Tshisekedi begins his second term, the path to peace in DR Congo remains uncertain.
Source: BBC News
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-68021220