News from the DRC: Security instability persists in the provinces of North Kivu and Ituri despite the state of siege that has been in place there for more than two years. In order to protect the inhabitants of the region from acts of violence, the Catholic Church calls on the Congolese authorities to find effective solutions to put an end to the state of siege.
Public criticism of this exceptional measure is growing, especially in North Kivu where the M23 war and the terrorist threat from the ADF are intensifying. The Bishop of the Diocese of Goma, Mgr. Willy Ngumbi, recalls the concern of the Catholic Church on the state of siege which requires an assessment if necessary for its lifting. The church notes that nothing has changed in terms of security.
The conclusion is bitter: the resurgence of the M23 war and the terrorist attacks of the ADF plunge the region into a climate of deep insecurity. In the attack in Museya, in Beni territory, on July 9, 9 civilians were killed, one injured and several kidnapped. In addition, fighting was reported in Rutshuru territory between the “Wazalendo” self-defense groups and the M23. The Congolese army also warns of the reinforcement of M23 terrorists by Rwandan soldiers. Tension remains high in the Rwenzori region.
However, the Congolese president’s commitment to the country’s economic development is strong despite the security challenges. Indeed, there is a 0.6% rise in the national currency on the official foreign exchange market. This economic stability reassures and encourages the government to redouble its efforts to find solutions to the problems of eastern DRC.
Despite everything, the rehabilitation of roads in Kinshasa leaves pedestrians and motorists in disarray. Indeed, the roads remain in poor condition and are not maintained. Citizens face a difficult situation where they risk their lives daily.
Finally, the Governor of Ituri Province, after the visit of the ICC Prosecutor, issued an ultimatum to the armed groups to surrender. Does this kind of ultimatum encourage security instability and trigger a new outbreak of violence or is it a suitable solution to end the unrest in the region?
Despite the initiatives taken, the situation in the DRC remains fragile and requires special attention from national and international authorities and civil society actors.