Displaced residents in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo on Saturday expressed hope that President Felix Tshisekedi's participation in the Russia-Africa Summit could open new avenues towards peace.
In the Ibo displacement camp in Oicha, North Kivu province, families live in rows of wooden shelters, preparing food and carrying out daily chores.
"It would be good news if they decided to send troops to help us end this war. We know that previous partnerships with Western countries have yielded nothing and that no concrete action has been taken. But if these new partners are truly coming to end the war, they are welcome. We simply want to return home," noted Seta Furaha.
Despite successive agreements and international mediation efforts, displaced families say insecurity persists, and they have seen little improvement in their daily lives.
"We signed agreements with the Americans, but we continue to cry because nothing has been done. We can't count on the Chinese or the Ugandans. So far, there is still no peace. But if Russia decides to come and help us, to work alongside our military, and if, with God's help, peace can return to our country, we will hold onto that hope. Because what we need most today is peace," stressed Basilo Augustin.
Others remain sceptical that further international involvement or the deployment of foreign troops will succeed where previous efforts have failed.
"Signing agreements and bringing foreign troops into our country has never been a real solution. Since the signing of these agreements and the deployment of military forces on our territory, including MONUSCO, the Wazalendo, and Ugandan troops, peace remains elusive. We continue to suffer. All we need today is peace," added Barack Ibubu.
The Russia-Africa Summit, held in Moscow on October 28-29, brought together delegations from 48 African countries and adopted a cooperation plan for 2027-2029.
Addressing the gathering, Tshisekedi called for concrete action on security and economic development, urging Russia and its African partners to turn their commitments into results.