Will the war in DR Congo end up one day? Is this going to be a never-ending conflict, after more than 30 years of struggle? Is it still worth signing truce or peace agreements, or is it merely a matter of communication with no concrete aftermath on the ground? Between speeches, words, assertions and action, there is a real and persistent gap. Fatality and resignation must not prevail, but the situation does not help.
On December 4, DR Congo and Rwanda signed a peace agreement in Washington DC. Under the American pressure, both presidents Félix Tshisekedi and Paul Kagame signed a text that is supposed to put an end to a long-lasting war in the Eastern part of RD Congo, one of the hugest countries in Africa. American president Donald Trump witnessed the moment about to be “a great miracle”, according to his own words.
Nonetheless, the White House resident seemed to be the only one happy with the treaty. Félix Tshisekedi and Paul Kagame did not shake hands during the meeting. They even did not look at each other. This is all but anecdotic. How can your people believe in the efficiency of the peace treaty if both protagonists are not even capable of sharing simple politeness rules? Like Burundi president said, “Getting committed on a plan for peace is one thing, but enforcing it is another thing”.
Evariste Ndayishimiye witnessed the signature of the peace agreement in DC. Unfortunately for peace and the people, the Burundi president was right. In spite of the peace agreement signed in Washington by Félix Tshisekedi and Paul Kagame, the war did not end. Worse than that, and this is nearly ironic and cynical, the conflict started up again with renewed vigor on December 5, that is to say barely one day after the peace agreement was signed !
Intense bombing compelled hundreds of civilians from Eastern Congo to leave home and pass the Rwandan boundary. Bombs were dropped on schools, hospitals and houses.
Guillaume Mahot