Eberande Kolongele Cashmir, President Félix Tshisekedi’s Special Advisor on Security, has emerged as a central figure in efforts to restore peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo. A law professor and graduate of Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, he has held key positions in government , including Chief of Staff to the President, Minister of Digital Affairs, and National Deputy , before taking the reins of national security.
Acting under President Tshisekedi’s directives, Kolongele has managed to engage the opposition in dialogue, persuading leading figure Martin Fayulu to embrace a shared vision of national defense. Fayulu even accepted a meeting with the Head of State to forge a united front for the country. Several other opposition members have since crossed over to join Tshisekedi’s government.
Behind the scenes, observers credit Kolongele with playing a discreet but decisive role in both U.S.-Kinshasa security talks and the Doha discussions with the M23 rebel movement. At home, he has launched sweeping investigations into corruption within the army, leading to the arrest of senior generals accused of embezzlement, a move that has bolstered the strength of the Congolese armed forces on the frontlines.
These shifts have resonated beyond Congo’s borders. In Kenya, growing voices are urging President William Ruto’s administration to stop backing, from Nairobi, groups that undermine DRC’s stability. With major economic interests in Congo through Kenyan banks, many argue it is in Nairobi’s own interest to support peace for the Congolese people.
