Title: “Extension of the state of siege in eastern DRC: the Government acts to ensure security”
Introduction :
The Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde, chaired a meeting of the restricted Council of Ministers on June 28, 2023. The objective of this meeting was to adopt a draft ordinance-law extending the state of siege in the provinces of Ituri and North Kivu. This decision follows the instruction of President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, and aims to maintain security in these regions marked by conflict and violence.
A consensus within the Government:
According to the report of the Minister of Communication and Media, Patrick Muyaya, the text presented by the Minister of State, Minister of Rural Development, was unanimously approved by the members of the Government present. This adoption paves the way for the forthcoming promulgation and effective entry into force of the extension of the state of siege by June 30, 2023.
A previous parliamentary mandate:
It is important to recall that Parliament previously authorized the Government to take measures concerning the extension of the state of siege in the provinces of Ituri and North Kivu. This decision was taken before the parliamentary vacation period, thus allowing the Government to act to ensure security in these sensitive regions.
A commitment to security and stability:
The extension of the state of siege aims to guarantee the security of the populations living in the provinces of Ituri and North Kivu. These regions have been marked by armed conflicts, intercommunal violence and the activities of uncontrolled armed groups. By extending this exceptional measure, the Government wishes to put in place the conditions conducive to the return of peace, the stabilization of the region and socio-economic development.
Conclusion :
The Government’s decision to extend the state of siege in the provinces of Ituri and North Kivu testifies to the Congolese State’s commitment to ensuring the security of its population. This exceptional measure aims to put an end to the violence and conflicts that have raged in these regions, and to promote their development. It is essential to support these initiatives to establish peace and stability in the Democratic Republic of Congo.