In a context marked by the persistence of insecurity in eastern DRC, the interprovincial civil society of North Kivu and South Kivu recently pleaded for the organization of a round table on the fate of state of siege in these two provinces. During a forum held in Goma, civil society actors made recommendations to fight against the enemies of peace in the region, in particular by asking for the recovery of the areas occupied by the M23 rebels in the territories of Masisi, Rutshuru and Nyiragongo.
The objective of these meetings of the interprovincial civil society was also to evaluate the actions carried out by the latter in a context marked by the current elections in the DRC. In fact, the instability in the east of the country has a direct impact on the electoral process, particularly in the territories of Kwamouth, Rutshuru, Nyiragongo and Masisi where voter registration and enrollment operations have not could have been carried out due to insecurity.
Civil society thus recalled its crucial role during this election period, ensuring that human rights are respected and fighting against all forms of discrimination. She also underlined the importance of her autonomy to avoid any political manipulation.
In addition, the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) recently announced the extension of the deadline for submitting candidacies for the election of national deputies. This decision aims to allow all candidates to have enough time to submit their applications, given the difficulties encountered in certain unstable areas in the east of the country.
Faced with this worrying situation, it is essential that civil society continues to play its role by making its voice heard, advocating for peace and demanding concrete measures to put an end to insecurity in eastern DRC. The next few weeks will be crucial for the country, and it is important that all actors, whether civil society, national authorities or the international community, unite their efforts to ensure peaceful and transparent elections, guaranteeing thus the stability and development of the DRC