Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi has issued a solemn call to armed groups operating in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to lay down their weapons.
The President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Félix Tshisekedi, has made a heartfelt appeal to the armed groups active in the country’s east, urging them to disarm and choose the path of peace. This statement comes as part of a roundtable discussion aimed at evaluating the state of emergency that has been in effect for two years in Ituri and North Kivu, two provinces particularly affected by violence.
During his speech, President Tshisekedi emphasized the extent of the insecurity that has prevailed in the eastern part of the country for nearly three decades, forcing millions of people to flee their homes to escape violence. The regions of Ituri and North Kivu have been the hardest hit by these persistent turbulences, threatening the very existence of Congolese institutions.
The head of state justified the extension of the state of emergency in these provinces by highlighting the need to restore security and stability. He also presented the disarmament, demobilization, community recovery, and stabilization program as a peaceful exit opportunity for the rebel groups still active in the country. This initiative, he stated, reflects the Congolese government’s willingness to provide a final chance for reintegration to those who choose the path of reconciliation.
President Tshisekedi’s call for armed groups to lay down their weapons marks a significant step towards seeking a peaceful solution to the conflicts that have ravaged the eastern DRC for years. As millions of citizens have suffered the devastating consequences of insecurity, this appeal resonates as a message of hope for a more stable and peaceful future.
