Name? Felix Tshisekedi
Westphalian identity? Congolese
Age? 58
Why is he in the news? Recently, Felix Tshisekedi, President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), allowed the Ugandan military to enter DRC territory to fight against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a group closely linked to ISIS. After talks between Ugandan President Museveni and President Tshisekedi, the two leaders agreed to address regional terrorism. Today, both military forces have deployed airstrikes against the ADF in the DRC.
Why do we care? Tshisekedi is desperate to rid the DRC from any ADF influence. In May, he announced a ‘state of siege’ in the eastern regions of Ituri and North Kivu, where the ADF is stationed, promising security and stability. Though as violence has persisted in the two regions, Tshisekedi tapping Museveni for help is to both help him get rid of the ADF and allow him to hopefully improve soured ties with their neighbour.
Why should you care? The ADF has caused widespread mayhem in both Uganda and the DRC. Since 2017, when the ADF first allegedly collaborated with ISIS, “the total number of [attacks have] increased 857 percent”. Combatting their rise is important to central Africa but how much do you really care? You care about 3/10 about the joint military operation.
Who else cares? Rwandan President, Paul Kagame has been accused by the DRC and Uganda for sparking instability by funding the M23 terrorist group. Of course, Kagame is also sure to care about the situation as it could lead to refugee spillover if the fighting escalates to affect civilian lives.
Any further comments? As of late, ties between Museveni and Tshisekedi have been poor due to Museveni’s 2018 accusation that his neighbour and the UN have been crucial in the persistence of the ADF. Museveni claimed that neither took hardline steps against the group’s operations in the DRC. Ultimately, with the bilateral cooperation, Museveni and Tshisekedi want mutual satisfaction in defeating the ADF.
