While in Kinshasa, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized that dialogue is the best way to end the long lasting conflict in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“We shared our common view on the resolution of conflicts not only on our continent but globally as well. We agreed that the best way that is tried and tested of resolving conflicts is still dialogue, through when people sit down and are able to find ways of negotiating,” Ramaphosa stated.

The South African President was speaking to the press alongside his Congolese counterpart Félix Tshisekedi on July 6, in Kinshasa, during his two-day official visit in the vast country.

Ramaphosa recalled that different initiatives by regional blocs, and the Africa Union, stressed on dialogues and negotiations between concerned parties as the suitable way of halting insecurity in DRC, mainly in its eastern part where more than 130 armed groups have found a safe haven.

Unfortunately, Kinshasa continues to turn a deaf ear. Tshisekedi refused to dialogue with the M23 rebels who resurfaced in late 2021 after the Congolese government failed to implement several agreements signed with the rebels in the past.

The M23 rebels are referred to as “terrorists” by Tshisekedi who wants to tarnish their image, and hence exclude them in any kind of dialogue for peace.

In the Nairobi Peace Process that focuses on ending hostilities, Kinshasa invited only armed groups that support its national army in fighting against the M23. Congolese officials only prefer military action against the  M23 but that is contrary to solutions proposed by Ramaphosa and other regional leaders.

In late June, former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, facilitator of the Nairobi Peace Process, called on various parties to the conflict in eastern DRC to embrace dialogue in order to achieve lasting peace in the troubled region.

Speaking in Nairobi after meeting with stakeholders on the cantonment matters in North Kivu province, Kenyatta said: “We must ensure that all parties are adequately consulted and reach an agreement regarding this crucial stage.”

Kenyatta stated that cantonment is a sensitive aspect of the peace restoration process that requires transparency, open consultation and stakeholder dialogue.

“It is imperative to address all necessary technical and logistical matters, including establishing open and indirect lines of dialogue and consultation with the armed groups we aim to canton,” he added.

The M23 is one of the armed groups to be cantoned, and during the third round of Nairobi talks, many regional leaders suggested urgent need for their inclusivity in dialogue.

"We are here to emphasize the urgent need for dialogue, de-escalation and to encourage and facilitate every actor to intensify their pursuit through the effective engagement of regional and international dispute resolution mechanisms,” Kenyan President William Ruto said.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni said that DRC’s problems can be solved but all communities must be involved in the peace process.

“The peaceful solution should be the outcome of that dialogue but the victim communities and the refugees should also be consulted,” Museveni said.

An extraordinary summit of East African leaders convened in Bujumbura in February also highlighted the need for enhanced dialogue among all the parties.

Despite all the arguments suggesting inclusive dialogue as the best way of dealing with the security crisis in eastern DRC, Tshisekedi shows no will to act accordingly.   

In May, Tshisekedi threatened to expel the EAC force accusing them of not fighting the M23. The Congolese president said that the Southern African Development Community troops could be deployed any time to satisfy his wishes and ambitions.

If Tshisekedi could listen to the advice given by Ramaphosa and other leaders, the region would have lasting peace.