Tension is at its highest level in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) this Saturday, May 20, 2023 with the planned opposition march in Kinshasa. This march, which will start from Sakombi, Air Congo district, Ngaliema commune, to end at Ymca square, was authorized by the governor of the city of Kinshasa, Gentiny Ngobila. However, the opposition leaders oppose the route and want to start the march at the Super Lemba roundabout to drop off at the People’s Palace via Lumumba Boulevard.
In this context, the Kinshasa authorities have warned that they will not tolerate any gathering of more than 10 people in Lemba, where the opposition intends to start its march. Similarly, no demonstrations will be authorized on Lumumba and By-pass boulevards. General Sylvano Kasongo, Deputy Commissioner of Police/Kinshasa, warned that any act of provocation against the police would be repressed in the rules.
While the opposition and the majority disagree, the World Bank has decided to suspend its funding for the DRC. The situation remains fragile and complex in the country, with the emergence of armed groups to rebel against the current regime and terrorist attacks.
Faced with this situation, the DRC is trying to develop economically by focusing on projects such as the creation of special economic zones like in Musienene. The World Bank also announced a restructuring of its social fund to improve investment in the country’s social projects.
In this troubled period, several economic challenges are facing the DRC, although progress has been made in the east of the country with the creation of regional forces to fight against instability in the region. In addition, military cooperation between the DRC and Belgium is strengthening against the background of the terrorist threat attributable to the rebel group M23.
As a reminder, United Nations reports indicate a 12% increase in human rights violations in the DRC during this month of March 2023. This shows how worrying the situation in the country is and requires urgent measures to protect the population. and guarantee the stability of the region.
For more information on current events in the DRC, do not hesitate to consult the following articles:
– Demonstrations in Kinshasa: the political situation and the challenges of the DRC
– Congo-Kinshasa in turmoil: authorized march of the opposition, terrorist attacks, human rights violations and economic challenges
– Restructuring of the DRC social fund: the World Bank reassured and funding maintained
– Armed attack in Virunga National Park: four dead, six injured and development projects in danger
– Battle for the Kyavinyonge fishery: General Kasongo orders the departure of self-defense groups
– East Africa strengthens its regional strength with the arrival of General Kiugu to deal with instability
– Congo-Belgium military cooperation: meeting between the Deputy Ministers of Defense against the backdrop of the threat of M23 terrorism
– United Nations report: 12% increase in human rights violations in the DRC in March 2023