France re-engages in DR Congo (Jean-Yves Le Drian) (v2)

(B2 in Kinshasa) This is the main message of the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Yves Le Drian during his official visit to DR Congo this Monday, May 20 (1). This " re-engagement of France in DR Congo passes, according to him, through three key sectors: health, development, defence. A notable commitment intended to seal the new French policy after the new President Félix Tshisekedi takes office

The French minister came expressly to express this message to the auditors of the college of advanced studies in strategies and defense in Kinshasa.

Do not let your guard down in the Sahel

Defense remains a key area of ​​French engagement in Africa. " Our armed forces are engaged as soon as necessary clarified the Minister, citing Operation Barkhane. " The multiplication of attacks in Burkina Faso and Niger shows that we must not let our guard down. The threat remains high [...]. This presence is not intended to be eternal, but in the current conditions, our presence and our action must be maintained ».

The great initiative of the G5 Sahel

Barkhane's relay will go through the force of the G5 Sahel. " It's a great African initiative. It takes a bit of time. But it's only been a year and a half since it was created. And the Europeans weren't able to do that. "" Ultimately, the security of Africans will be ensured by Africans themselves. »

The Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) must engage in peacekeeping

In this effort, the Congolese must commit themselves. " Everyone must keep in mind that MONUSCO (the UN peacekeeping force in the Congo) is not eternal, there will come a time when the FARDC will take over. “A question of security for the country, but also for” make the FARDC an exporter of security. The Congolese will have to participate more in the peacekeeping forces. And the Minister to promise to increase cooperation in security and defence, to intensify training, in particular training in peacekeeping operations, and to support the project to create a joint defense college. (or school of war).

(Nicolas Gros-Verheyde)

1. There had not been a trip by a head of French diplomacy to Kinshasa since Laurent Fabius' visit in 2012 since 2016. Other ministers had made the trip, but only on a sectoral basis: Ségolène Royal (Environment) in 2016 and Yamina Benguigui (Francophonie) in 2013.

A thunder band

In addition to the national anthem, the men and women of the band played the Tatou Monaco. An air " intended to support the troop his boss told me. And indeed, the result is there. Admire the vivacity and the beating of soles in rhythm. For an upcoming July 14, they would be all the rage. Daft Punk better behave...

Updated - details on previous visits by French ministers