Why Are DRC Officials Backtracking on Tshisekedi’s Beijing Trip?

DRC President Félix Tshisekedi (R) during his recent trip to Beijing. Since then, officials have tried to downplay the importance of the trip, amid domestic criticism. Image: Thomas Peter / AFP

We asked China Global South Francophone Africa Editor and DRC political analyst Geraud Neema to explain attempts by DRC officials to reframe President Félix Tshisekedi’s lackluster trip to Beijing.

Why were the ministers so emphatic that they didn’t go to China to sign contracts?

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