French President Emmanuel Macron said the DRC should not “seek culprits on the side” with regard to the security situation in the country, noting that the republic has failed to achieve “neither military nor administrative” sovereignty.
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On the last day of his African tour, Macron visited Kinshasa, where he met with President Felix Tshisekedi. At a joint press conference, Macron was reminded of France’s involvement in the 1994 genocide in Rwanda and asked how France expected to help restore security in the country’s east, to which Macron replied that restoring security and sovereignty was the responsibility of local authorities.
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“France is and will continue to be an ally of the DRC. We condemn any form of plunder, Balkanization and threats to sovereignty. But I reject the responsibility that can be attributed to France. I am for the truth, but for the whole truth: I refuse to take on all this burden. With In 1994, many groups entered the territory of the DRC, used resources that should have belonged to your people.Forgive me for being blunt, but since 1994 you have not been able to restore sovereignty – neither military, nor administrative, nor security sovereignty.It’s a fact , there is no need to look for the guilty on the side,” he said.
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At the same time, Macron said that the duty of the DRC is to hold a trial on all those involved in the crimes in the Congolese wars.
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“It is the responsibility of the local authorities to ensure justice. But those involved in crimes often still occupy responsible positions. How do you want to have sustainable peace and confidence in a country where there is no justice? Do not condemn France for what depends on you,” he said.
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In Kinshasa, they were dissatisfied with the fact that Macron did not properly condemn the actions of Kigali (the capital of Rwanda).
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The President was asked why France is so actively and unconditionally supporting tough sanctions against Russia, but at the same time does not want to impose sanctions on Rwanda, which the DRC authorities accuse of supporting the militants of the M23 movement, which is fighting in the Kivu province in the east of the country.
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“We agree with President Tshisekedi on the need to give the peace plan a chance. We have the opportunity to resolve the conflict with M23. Today is not the time to force things, but those who will interfere with the implementation of this plan know what they are risking – including sanctions,” Macron said.
