The thaw in relations between Kinshasa and Kigali is not a sight of the spirit. Rwanda's President Paul Kagame has appointed Vincent Karega as his country's new ambassador in DRC, according to a statement from the Office of the Prime Minister of Rwanda dated 15 July, relayed by several Congolese online media.
According to the same sources, the new boss of the Rwandan diplomatic mission in Kinshasa should take office in the next few days. Former High Commissioner of Rwanda in South Africa, Vincent Karega replaces Amandin Rugira, appointed ambassador of his country within European Union.
The new promoted will not come to Kinshasa as a foreigner. The man knows very well the DRC and its capital, having finished his studies at the University of Lubumbashi, in the province of Haut Katanga. So it's a Kassapard coming back to the house.
This development, observers say, is one of the palpable results of warming relations between Kinshasa and Kigali, recently tense.
This change is due to the advent of Felix Tshisekedi at the top of the state. Shortly after his investiture, the Congolese Head of State undertook a round of the sub-region to meet his colleagues. In early June, Rwandan President Paul Kagame visited Kinshasa to attend the funeral of former Prime Minister Etienne Tshisekedi, biological father of the current Congolese President.
On occasion, the Congolese had applauded Paul Kagame at the Martyrs Stadium. In an interview with RFI and France 24, on June 29, Felix Tshisekedi said that Paul Kagame is one of the reliable and essential partners, according to him, for peace and security in the region.
In addition to the security aspect, the two countries also seem to be developing good economic reports. The license granted to Rwandair, under Félix Tshisekedi, is a good illustration of this.
(CKS/Yes)