Prioritizing an immediate ceasefire and the signing of commitment acts by all parties involved in the war ravaging the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) must take precedence over the signing of business agreements driven by the interests of external stakeholders.
True diplomatic success lies in securing a halt to hostilities, obtaining the immediate signing of a ceasefire agreement, and ensuring that all actors sign binding commitments to implement peace mechanisms.
This would allow for a reduction of the humanitarian crisis, the reopening of banks, microfinance institutions, public and private companies, and the restoration of interprovincial transport and movement.
This is a call to the government, rebel groups, the opposition, and armed factions, put the suffering population at the forefront of your political and military agendas.
It is up to the Congolese people to take the lead and responsibility for the future of the DRC not international powers deciding its political direction, development priorities, natural or mineral resource regulations, or imposing directives, sanctions, or measures on individuals or companies operating in or exploiting the resources of the DRC.
It is the duty of Congolese civil society to increase pressure on all actors so that an immediate ceasefire and the signing of commitment acts become the top priority above any business interests.
This is essential to ensure that the growing number of initiatives from ECCAS, SADC, the African Union, CENCO, ECC, Doha, and the USA do not lose their meaning or waste valuable time while the Congolese people continue to endure unspeakable suffering.
Lawyer, former President of the Bar Association of North Kivu, Member of Congolese civil society, Member of the NGO Promotion of Democracy and Human Rights (PDH)