It's time to set aside the jokes and face a harsh reality: the Democratic Republic of Congo is in a graver situation than many of us realize. The risk of balkanization is very real, and Rwanda appears closer than ever to achieving its long-held ambitions in our nation.
Consider the double-edged sword we're facing. On one hand, direct negotiations with the Félix Tshisekedi government could lead to an agreement, potentially in Washington, that would allow Rwanda to openly exploit our mineral resources—a stark contrast to their current clandestine operations. On the other hand, Rwanda benefits significantly if the M23 rebels maintain their control in Goma and Bukavu, and even more so if they manage to advance into Katanga. Either way, Rwanda seems poised to gain.
Our Deepest Flaw: A Divided Nation
The most critical issue isn't just external aggression; it's our internal disunity. The majority of Congolese are deeply partisan, supporting leaders based on tribal and regional affiliations rather than principles or tangible realities. We, the Congolese people, are our own biggest obstacle. It's our collective weaknesses that Rwanda is so effectively exploiting right now.
For the DRC to truly escape this crisis and develop, we desperately need good governance. This means establishing genuine justice, launching a relentless fight against corruption, and upholding a system where elections and the will of the people are supreme and truly respected.
But let's be honest: the DRC has regressed significantly on all fronts of good governance. The current situation is arguably worse than during Joseph Kabila's era. This isn't to say Kabila's presidency was good—far from it. If the country's situation was a 2 out of 10 then, today we are arguably at a shocking -5 out of 10.
The Path Forward: National Cohesion
The urgent solution lies in strengthening national cohesion. This vital unity can only be achieved if:
1. President Tshisekedi renounces any attempts to amend the constitution to extend his stay in power beyond his mandate, especially given questions surrounding the integrity of his initial ascension.
2. There is an immediate halt to the weaponization of the justice system for settling political scores.
3. An inter-Congolese dialogue is organized, allowing all Congolese to engage in honest conversations about our nation's future. This dialogue must lead to a republican contract where every citizen commits to working towards genuine good governance.
The time for complacency is over. Our nation's future hangs in the balance, and unity is our only hope.