The World Bank in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) takes on a new dimension. A delegation from this institution recently discussed with the Head of State on the outcome of his projects in the DRC. Victoria Kwakwa, World Bank Vice President for Eastern and Southern Africa and Head of Delegation, said this partnership is growing. She acknowledged that the DRC is in a situation of insecurity, but that the Board of Directors has approved a country partnership framework running from 2022 to 2026. This instrument should support the strategic priorities of the government and the important reforms in terms of governance.
At the same time, the Head of State listened to the grievances of the administrator of the Virunga Parks on the situation of insecurity which prevails in their respective sites following the attacks of the armed groups. The eco-guards are threatened and some have been killed. François-Xavier de Donea, administrator of the Virunga parks, discussed with Joseph Kabila the initiatives taken to guarantee security in collaboration with the FARDC. Local development projects were mentioned such as the construction of a power station.
Through another article, we learn that the security situation in eastern DRC is very worrying. The National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) has called for an urgent resolution to the crisis in this region. Also, the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) managed to recover ADF strongholds and discovered the remains of 13 citizens. These successes are an important step in the fight against armed groups in the DRC.
The strengthening of security is also mentioned in other articles. The initiatives of the Congolese police are welcomed, in particular the major reform undertaken to strengthen peace, security and the rule of law. The governor of Kasai central has provided the police with 20 motorcycles to reinforce security.
During an election period, security issues are among the most important points. Michel Bongongo, in charge of special missions within the presidential party of the DRC, supported Félix Tshisekedi for the presidential election of December 2023.
Finally, in Ecuador, the creation of social security for parliamentarians with a retirement pension for life is a controversial measure. Which is to say that security is a matter of concern to everyone in the DRC.
While the security issue is a major challenge for the executive in the DRC, political actors and the World Bank are undertaking initiatives to deal with it. The benefit of these new approaches will take time, but let’s hope that they will provide a concrete response to populations who suffer from recurrent insecurity.