Martin Fayulu Criticizes Tshisekedi’s Diplomacy
In a recent address to the nation, Martin Fayulu, president of the Engagement for Citizenship and Development (ECIDé), once again criticized what he sees as a “diplomatic weakness” on the part of President Félix Tshisekedi. According to Fayulu, this deficiency has contributed to cementing the idea in the international community that the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) fall under the responsibility of the Democratic Republic of Congo (RDC).
Regretting the Lack of Strategy
Fayulu expressed regret over the lack of a concrete strategy from Kinshasa in response to the “maneuvers” of Rwandan President Paul Kagame and what he deems as false accusations. He stated, “We content ourselves with empty speeches that border on comedy and reveal a worrying lack of seriousness. This reassures the enemy about our intellectual weaknesses.”
He further questioned, “Why doesn’t the Congolese government ask Paul Kagame to engage in dialogue with the FDLR and neutralize the M23?” Fayulu believes that the current situation requires strengthening national cohesion among Congolese to better address security and diplomatic challenges.
Tensions Between Kinshasa and Kigali
The ongoing tension between Kinshasa and Kigali is marked by mutual accusations. While Tshisekedi points to the M23 rebels as Rwandan proxies destabilizing the eastern part of the country, Paul Kagame accuses the RDC of protecting the FDLR. This Rwandan rhetoric resonated during Tshisekedi’s visit to Paris last April, where French President Emmanuel Macron condemned violence in eastern RDC without mentioning Kigali, urging Kinshasa to halt FDLR incursions on Rwandan soil.
Call for National Unity
Amid these challenges, Martin Fayulu advocates for national unity involving political leaders, religious figures, and civil society organizations. He believes that this cohesion is essential to resolve the crisis in eastern RDC, where around 130 localities are currently under M23 control.
In conclusion, Fayulu’s critique of Tshisekedi’s diplomacy highlights the need for a more robust and strategic approach to international challenges facing the RDC. The call for national unity echoes throughout his address, emphasizing the importance of solidarity in addressing the complex issues at hand.