OICHA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO — Displaced families sheltering in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo have voiced hope that President Félix Tshisekedi’s diplomatic engagement at the Russia-Africa Summit could unlock fresh avenues towards ending persistent regional violence.
The inhabitants of the Ibo displacement camp at Oicha in North Kivu province have expressed their weariness with the years of conflict and failed international diplomacy. In light of previous broken promises from Western and regional powers, they are now willing to form new international partnerships.
“It would be good news if they decided to send troops to help us end this war. We know that previous partnerships with Western countries have yielded nothing,” said Seta Furaha, a 45-year-old mother of five. “If these new partners are truly coming to end the war, they are welcome. We want to return home.”
Basilobo Muke Augustin, who lives in the same camp, added that previous agreements involving Americans, Chinese, and Ugandans did not stop the pain. “If Russia decides to come and help us… then we shall keep that hope because what we need most today is peace,” he stated. However, other residents, such as Barack Ibubu, have expressed doubts about whether foreign troops can bring security.
The summit in Moscow was attended by 48 African delegations and adopted a cooperation agenda from 2027 to 2029. In his address to the delegates, Tshisekedi urged the international community to turn security strategies into reality.
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