While the discussions between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda continue under the leadership of the United States and Qatar, a question returns. Why has the presence for a few days of French delegates in mediation meetings? What role does France play in this mediation exactly? The country seems discreet, but remains present in the different stages of the process. What are the forms of French involvement?
The France is engaged on several levels in this peace process between Kinshasa et Kigalieven if its role is sometimes less visible than that of the United States or Qatar. First, on the political level, Emmanuel Macron personally involved twice to try a direct mediation between the presidents Félix Tshisekedi and Paul Kagame.
He continues to exchange regularly with them, but also more recently with the Togolese president Faure Gnassingbé, who represents the African Union. Then, France is one of the co-initiators of the Doha process. According to diplomatic sources, the mediation project was initially carried out jointly by Paris and Doha.
A central role in the UN
Finally, the French involvement relates to a fourth point. France sits within the international monitoring committee, set up to support the stages towards a peace agreement. This committee also includes the United States, Qatar and Togo, representing the African Union.
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