French President Emmanuel Macron advocated for an approach centered on dialogue with all stakeholders, particularly concerning sanctions imposed by the United States against the Rwandan army. Macron stated, "We defend a position which consists of continuing to discuss with all stakeholders with a fairly simple line." He cautioned against isolating Rwanda, noting, "I think that if today everyone rushes, because the Americans did it, to put Rwanda on the bench, there is little chance that we will convince Kigali to have a cooperative policy."
Macron is urging President Paul Kagame and President Félix Tshisekedi to resume dialogue and bring mediators back to the table to work on a joint project based on four axes. He explained that these axes include "a respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity for the RDC, and therefore withdrawal of all forces, they are not only Rwandan, that are present on Congolese soil." Other axes involve resuming political dialogue in the RDC with the M23, RDC regaining control of the east, and a joint fight against terrorist forces.
Four Pillars for Peace
French President Emmanuel Macron outlined four core principles he believes are essential for achieving peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo (RDC). He stated that these include a demand for respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the RDC, alongside the withdrawal of all foreign forces present on Congolese soil. The second principle involves the resumption of political dialogue within the RDC with the M23, a process previously overseen by Angola.
Macron's third pillar focuses on the RDC regaining control of its eastern territories, which includes addressing the presence of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR). The final axis he described is a joint effort against terrorist forces that pose a threat to the RDC and other nations in the region.
Regarding the increasing involvement of the United States, Macron downplayed suggestions that it is significantly altering diplomatic balances, asserting that the US appears committed to peace and that the situation is not predetermined. He also noted a recurring problem in the peace process, noting that many actors become involved and then disengage. Macron pointed out that a peace agreement signed months prior has yet to yield full peace, indicating ongoing challenges in implementation.
Diplomatic Maneuvers and Sanctions
French President Emmanuel Macron held separate meetings with President Paul Kagame and President Félix Tshisekedi in Nairobi as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts. Macron cautioned against the proliferation of sanctions targeting Kigali, arguing that such measures could hinder diplomatic progress. He emphasized the importance of a nuanced approach, stating, "We must collectively be careful." Macron elaborated on his concern, explaining, "In any case, I think that if today everyone rushes, because the Americans did it, to put Rwanda on the bench, there is little chance that we will convince Kigali to have a cooperative policy." He reiterated his preference for "a respectful dialogue" to engage all parties effectively.
Call for Respectful Dialogue
French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed his preference for "un dialogue respectueux" and involving regional leaders, including Burundi and Uganda, for a concerted and lasting solution in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Macron stated, "Nous, nous défendons une position qui consiste à continuer de discuter avec toutes les parties prenantes avec une ligne assez simple." He emphasized the importance of a respectful dialogue for a full approach.
Macron underlined core principles for peace, asserting, "Un respect de la souveraineté et de l’intégrité territoriale pour la RDC, et donc retrait de toutes les forces d’ailleurs, elles ne sont pas que rwandaises qui sont présentes sur le sol congolais." He also advocated for the resumption of political dialogue in the RDC with the M23, previously overseen by Angola, as a critical step.