DRC plans to move Israel embassy to Jerusalem

The DRC plans to move its embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem following talks between President Félix Tshisekedi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a rare diplomatic step that could also strengthen Kinshasa's ties with Washington and its access to military support. No timetable has been given, report RFI. The move would place the DRC among a small group of countries that recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital by locating their embassy there – an especially unusual position for an African state. The announcement should nevertheless be treated cautiously, said Jason Stearns, a specialist on the DRC and Great Lakes region. Tshisekedi and Netanyahu announced an almost identical agreement around three years ago, Stearns noted, but no embassy move followed. Tshisekedi has long spoken warmly of Israel and has said his support is partly rooted in his Christian faith. But the latest initiative also reflects Kinshasa's determination to strengthen its relationship with the US as the Congolese Government faces severe military pressure in the east of the country, Stearns said.

Full RFI report