The arrival of Jean Pierre Bemba, Vice Prime Minister of National Defense in RDC, and his Kenyan counterpart, Aden Barre Duale, in Goma on August 4, 2023, has raised many questions. These two high-ranking political figures find themselves on Congolese soil to discuss, in an ostensible manner, the cooperation between RDC and Kenya in the field of military defense. But the question arises: is this purely military cooperation or a disguised diplomatic dance?
Firstly, it is important to underline that Kenya is part of the West African States Community force, deployed in RDC for a year to fight the M23 group rebellion. However, since the deployment of this force, the situation on the ground remains static. This raises a pertinent question: what is truly motivating this military cooperation?
It is evident that the presence of Kenyan troops on Congolese soil does not seem to have brought the expected results. The M23 rebellion continues to operate despite the military commitment of Kenya and other African nations. This suggests that this military cooperation might be more of a political game than a real attempt to resolve the conflict.
On the other hand, the announcement of this military cooperation between RDC and Kenya comes at a time when the region is experiencing increasing political and security tensions. This raises concerns that this cooperation is merely an attempt to camouflage political or economical interests under the guise of national security. It is therefore crucial to demand greater transparency in discussions and decisions that will be made during this summit. Furthermore, it is crucial to question whether this military cooperation is the best strategy for resolving the conflict in RDC. It is undeniable that the security situation in RDC is concerning and requires intervention. However, is a purely military approach the best solution? Should we not rather consider diplomatic and political solutions to resolve this conflict?
In conclusion, if this military cooperation between RDC and Kenya is a genuine attempt to resolve the conflict in RDC, then it must be accompanied by a clear and transparent strategy. If it is rather a political maneuver, then the citizens of RDC and Kenya deserve to know.
The editorial team
