Diplomatic incident at Cyril’s swearing-in ceremony(…)

• Diplomatic incident at Cyril Ramaphosa’s swearing-in ceremony reveals tensions between the two Congos!

largeDuring the swearing-in ceremony of the South African President on June 19, 2024 Cyril Ramaphosa During his second term in office, a noteworthy event took place between the President of the Republic of Congo, Denis Sassou Nguesso, and the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Felix Tshisekedi. The event took place in South Africa and attracted the attention of many media and guests.

Public Rejection and Diplomatic Consequences

According to multiple media sources in the Democratic Republic of Congo, President Felix Tshisekedi flatly refused to greet his Congolese counterpart Denis Sassou Nguesso. The situation became a symbol of the growing tension between the two leaders. They could not even stand the smell of each other’s perfume, as evidenced by the illustrations of the two presidents wearing masks. This move, seen as a public humiliation, took place in front of numerous heads of state and other important figures. After the incident, in search of comfort, Denis Sassou Nguesso would ask the Angolan president to intervene. However, Felix Tshisekedi’s response was clear: he demanded clarity in relations between the two neighbors.

“Proximity diplomacy”: a concept rediscovered

The incident highlights a key question: What has become of the concept of “”?Close Diplomacy“?Initiated by Congo-Brazzaville Foreign Minister Jean-Claude Gakosso, this concept aims to strengthen relations between countries with common borders and common interests. It now seems necessary to revisit this approach, in particular the relations between Congo-Brazzaville and Kinshasa.

Importance of good neighborly relations

It is difficult to understand how such tensions could arise between two countries with a long border and similar peoples. In fact, harmonious cooperation between Congo-Brazzaville and the Democratic Republic of the Congo could benefit many joint projects, whether in terms of security, economy or regional development.

The Pretoria incident therefore raises the question: is the divorce between the two Congos now complete? The diplomatic incident between Denis Sassou Nguesso and Felix Tshisekedi during Cyril Ramaphosa’s swearing-in ceremony sheds light on the ongoing tensions between the two Congos.

this”“Close Diplomacy” This seems to be a potential concept to save these relations, but it requires clear political will and sincere commitment from both sides. These neighbors must overcome their differences and work together for the benefit of their peoples and the region as a whole… Also political series novel “The environment has become too close Congo-Kinshasa-Congo-Brazzaville”

Dear readers, welcome to the new political soap opera that is sweeping the two Congolese countries! Today we present to you a thrilling and entertaining episode in the saga of our governments: “When the environment becomes too intimate”Our protagonist today is none other than the Deputy Minister of Environment, Stéphanie Mbombo Muamba. This ordinary heroine submitted her resignation letter to Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Touluka in a subtle and elegant way. The reason? Officially, they are “personal“Unofficially, we all know these are the reasons.”personal“Capital P, as in”Passionate, crazy, and not cautious at all“.

But let me tell you how this legend began. It all began during the state visit of the Deputy Minister of the Environment to Brazzaville, the charming capital of the Republic of Congo. Stephanie was clearly more interested in side discussions than in speeches on the equatorial forests, and here, let’s say, she developed a very close relationship with President Denis Sassou Nguesso. Yes, you heard it right! Rumors spread in Kinshasa and Brazzaville that this idyllic life would take root under the green shade of the presidential palace. After returning from Brazzaville, our dear Stephanie did what any heroine would do TV drama Policy is all: she conceded, or rather, she handed in her resignation. Perhaps she realised that the air in Kinshasa was too polluted by whispers and squints? Or perhaps the proximity to the Sassou Nguesso tree obscured his political vision? Who knows? Speculations are rife. Some say she is leaving “personal reason“.

Others claim that she has finally found a way to unite the two Congolese in an environmentally friendly way. It’s a bit as if love could save the planet. In any case, we can’t wait to see if she will soon put down roots in Brazzaville, where gossip is said to grow as fast as a palm tree. Meanwhile, Kinshasa is holding its breath. The political landscape is more volatile than the climate, and it is not uncommon for scandals to circulate. One thing is certain: Stephanie Mbobo’s resignation will not go unnoticed. It will go down in history as one of the most environmentally friendly and romantic constructions in our history. Stay tuned for the next episode, where we may find out if passion for the environment can really unite hearts and countries.

Serge Armand Zanzara, Journalist and writer