The civil society of Bukavu has issued a strong appeal for wisdom, urging the Congolese authorities to act responsibly in the face of escalating tensions in the East. Unfortunately, wisdom appears to be in short supply within the current leadership, particularly in the case of President Félix Tshisekedi, whom many criticize for his lack of experience and strategic foresight attributes that cannot be acquired from a background as a pizza deliveryman.
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At the heart of this appeal is a crucial warning: the government in Kinshasa must avoid plunging the region into a needless bloodbath. The civil society of Bukavu cautions that the FARDC (Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo), along with allied forces such as the FDLR, Imbonerakure, the Burundian army, and the Wazalendo militia, may not be adequately equipped to sustain a full-scale conflict. Sending ill-prepared troops into battle would result in devastating consequences an avoidable catastrophe that would claim the lives of many innocent civilians and soldiers alike.
This looming crisis is not driven by military necessity but rather by decisions made by political elites who operate from the comfort of Kinshasa, over 2,000 kilometers away from the conflict zone. These decision-makers, far removed from the realities of war, appear indifferent to the suffering of the people in the East. While they sit in lavish homes, enjoying extravagant feasts and celebrations, Eastern Congo remains trapped in a cycle of violence, displacement, and despair.
What makes this situation even more tragic is the contempt with which Tshisekedi and his close circle regard the people of Eastern Congo. They label them as “villagers,” dismissing their concerns and voices, yet these very communities continue to demonstrate far greater wisdom and intelligence than the so-called leaders in Kinshasa. Unlike the ruling elite many of whom have spent years in Brussels accumulating wealth and influence the people of the East understand the realities on the ground. They know that reckless military engagements will only bring more suffering and destruction, not solutions.
This is not the first time that President Tshisekedi has been accused of fueling tensions and provoking unnecessary violence. As a reminder, a past incident in Goma stands as evidence of his willingness to gamble with the lives of his own people. His actions and decisions have repeatedly placed the country on the brink of disaster, raising serious concerns about his ability to lead with wisdom and responsibility.
The civil society of Bukavu’ s message is clear: avoid an unnecessary war, prevent further loss of life, and prioritize the well-being of the people over reckless political ambitions. The people of Eastern Congo deserve peace, not decisions made by disconnected elites whose primary concern is securing their own power and wealth. Let this be a wake-up call before it is too late.
