DRC: In Kinshasa, Le Drian pleads for "multilateralism through action"

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The European Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarcic, the French Minister for Foreign Affairs, Jean-Yves Le Drian, as well as his Belgian counterpart Philippe Goffin, were received by the Congolese authorities on Monday 8 June.

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With our correspondent in Kinshasa,  Patient Ligodi

European diplomats talked for about an hour with the Congolese head of state, Félix Tshisekedi. Several interviews were on the menu, including the humanitarian and security crisis. The European Commissioner and the French and Belgian ministers have launched a series of three flights which are to carry 40 tonnes of humanitarian cargo .

This humanitarian bridge between Europe and the DRC is the expression, according to Jean-Yves Le Drian, of "  multilateralism by evidence and by action  ". Not only involving Covid-19, this action also aims to facilitate the continuity of humanitarian action in areas characterized by insecurity, particularly in the east of the country.

In this regard, the French Minister stressed the importance of a sub-regional approach. "  It is the responsibility of the DRC authorities who must take the means of securing this region. It is also the empowerment of a dialogue with neighboring countries, a clear and firm dialogue. And France is ready to join this dialogue.  "

Also received by European diplomats, Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo insists on the responsibility of the Congolese authorities. "  As I see the reality of the country today, those in power spend most of their time quarreling, arguing, etc. And the people? Who takes care of the people during this time? We cannot remain assisted forever.  "

This aid comes in a context characterized by a multifaceted crisis. Some regions of the country are affected by the Ebola virus epidemic, others by measles and other diseases.

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