President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo has called for enhanced economic and security ties with Tanzania following high-level discussions with Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan during his official visit to Zanzibar on August 17 and 18.
The bilateral talks occurred against the backdrop of ongoing conflict in eastern Congo, where the government in Kinshasa continues to confront the M23 rebel offensive. Throughout the summit, Tshisekedi reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to defending national sovereignty and territorial integrity while underscoring the critical need for coordinated regional mechanisms to address instability across the Great Lakes region.
The strategic partnership holds significant weight for the DRC’s security framework, as Tanzanian forces previously contributed to peace enforcement efforts under the Southern African Development Community deployment in the eastern provinces. Beyond security alignment, the two heads of state prioritized expanding bilateral trade, joint infrastructure developments, and cross-border transport corridors designed to accelerate economic integration. By seeking deeper cooperation in energy, digital infrastructure, and agriculture, Kinshasa aims to diversify its regional alliances and solidify economic partnerships with key neighbors to foster long-term stability in the area.
TE/lb/abj/APA