DRC Denounces Francophonie's Silence on Eastern Congo Conflict

The Democratic Republic of Congo has denounced the silence of the International Organization of La Francophonie's (OIF) Secretary General, Louise Mushikiwabo, on the conflict in eastern Congo. This criticism was voiced by the DRC's Communication Minister and Government Spokesperson, Patrick Muyaya, during the 20th Francophonie Summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Muyaya expressed disappointment that Mushikiwabo's speech did not mention the conflict in eastern Congo, despite discussing conflicts in Lebanon and Haiti.

The conflict in eastern Congo is one of the deadliest in the French-speaking world, according to Muyaya. He noted that the speeches delivered by the Cambodian Prime Minister and French President Emmanuel Macron highlighted the member states' preference for dialogue to resolve conflicts and restore peace. The DRC, like Cambodia, values peace and is committed to this pursuit, alongside President Félix Tshisekedi.

The DRC had initially applied for the position of OIF Secretary General but later withdrew its candidacy. Muyaya explained that this decision was made in line with the organization's tradition of not electing a Secretary General through a competitive process. He also mentioned that President Macron had stated that the future of Francophonie lies in the Congo Basin.

Muyaya warned that if the values of peace and solidarity are not reflected in the votes of the heads of state, the DRC will draw consequences. This statement suggests that the DRC may reevaluate its participation in or support for the OIF if its concerns are not addressed. The DRC's concerns about the conflict in eastern Congo and its expectations from the Francophonie organization are clear.

The 20th Francophonie Summit brought together leaders from member states to discuss various issues, including conflict resolution and cooperation. The DRC's participation in the summit and Muyaya's statements reflect the country's engagement with the Francophonie organization and its desire for a more active role in addressing regional conflicts.

The conflict in eastern Congo has been a longstanding issue, with various groups involved and significant humanitarian consequences. The DRC's call for attention to this conflict at the Francophonie Summit highlights the need for international cooperation to address this crisis. The Francophonie organization's response to the DRC's concerns will be closely watched.

The DRC's relationship with the Francophonie organization and its stance on the conflict in eastern Congo will likely continue to evolve. The country's participation in international forums and its engagement with other nations will be crucial in determining the course of the conflict and the effectiveness of international responses.

Key points

• The DRC criticizes Francophonie's silence on the eastern Congo conflict.
• The DRC had initially applied for the OIF Secretary General position but later withdrew.
• The conflict in eastern Congo is one of the deadliest in the French-speaking world.