Mali/Combating insecurity: Does the DRC want to learn from Mali’s experience?
In Mali, the President of the Transition, Head of State General Assimi GOÏTA, received on Friday, February 21 in Bamako, an emissary from his Congolese counterpart, President Félix Antoine TSHISEKEDI. The emissary was the Minister of State in charge of Justice and Keeper of the Seals of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Constant Mutamba Tungunga. According to official information, he was carrying a message from President TSHISEKEDI.
According to the communication service of the Malian presidency, “Although many details were not provided, the special envoy of President TSHISEKEDI hinted that this visit was part of the situation in the north of the DRC.” For context, the DRC has been facing an armed rebellion for years led by the “March 23 Movement” (M23).
This rebellion in the North Kivu province, located in the eastern DRC, along the border with Rwanda, has intensified its criminal actions in recent months, causing numerous victims. Observers suggest that the Congolese president might be seeking military cooperation with the Republic of Mali to strengthen his army’s capabilities for a more effective fight against the rebels.
It should be noted that since General Assimi GOÏTA came to power, the Malian army has undergone structural transformation thanks to the new policy of partnerships, training, and equipping the military personnel involved.
Strengthening the diplomatic relations between the two countries, based on historical, cultural, and political ties, will help both Mali and the DRC better combat insecurity in all its forms.
