DRC Minister Calls for Pan-African Unity Against Neo-Colonial Forces in Eastern Congo
Congolese Minister Patrick Muyaya has issued a powerful call for national unity in the face of continued aggression in Eastern DRC. His message resonates with pan-African struggles against neo-colonial interference, emphasizing the need for collective African resistance and sovereignty.
Minister Patrick Muyaya addresses the nation on the struggle for Eastern DRC's liberation
A Call for Unity Against External Aggression
In a powerful address delivered on Sunday, June 22, Congolese Communications Minister and government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya issued a rallying cry that resonates with all African liberation struggles: 'Let us unite to liberate the East of our country.' As the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) faces intensified conflict between its armed forces (FARDC) and Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, this call for collective resistance against neo-colonial interference bears striking parallels to our own liberation history.
Diplomatic Maneuvers Amid Continental Stakes
Muyaya, a vocal advocate for African sovereignty, acknowledged a Washington-brokered agreement between Congolese and Rwandan experts as a 'second positive step toward peace.' However, this diplomatic dance occurs against a backdrop of continued Western meddling in African affairs, raising questions about true continental independence.
Regional Dynamics and African Solutions
The security situation in Eastern DRC remains precarious, despite various African-led peace initiatives. The departure of the Southern African Development Community Mission (SAMIDRC) forces in March has exposed the ongoing challenges of achieving genuine African military independence from Western influence.
National Unity as Revolutionary Strategy
For Muyaya, national unity represents more than mere political rhetoric - it is a fundamental prerequisite for both military and diplomatic triumph. He condemns divisive narratives that weaken citizen mobilization, emphasizing that 'the war in the East is a war against the entire nation, not just one province.' This stance reflects the pan-African principle that an attack on one African nation is an attack on all.
The Long Road to True Liberation
While recent agreements may signal progress, genuine peace remains contingent on the complete withdrawal of rebel forces and the return of millions of displaced Africans to their ancestral lands. Muyaya's call for patience and determination echoes the long struggle for African dignity and self-determination, as the government works 'each day to make this peace real and lasting.'
Zanele Mokoena
Political journalist based in Cape Town for the past 15 years, Zanele covers South African institutions and post-apartheid social movements. Specialist in power-civil society relations.