The hundredth meeting of the Council of Ministers of the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo was held on Friday, June 2. The Deputy Minister of the Interior, Security and Customary Affairs, Jean-Claude Molipe, took this opportunity to take stock of the state and administration of the national territory. Last week was marked by several current events, in particular the examination in the National Assembly of the bill on the distribution of seats by electoral district for the legislative, municipal and local elections. This bill was declared admissible and sent to the political, administrative and legal committee for a thorough examination.
Elected officials expressed concerns about the mismatch observed between the number of registered voters and the number of seats allocated to each electoral district across the national territory.
The Vice-Minister also mentioned the expectation of the fallout from the Head of State’s working visit to China[1]. Indeed, President Félix Tshisekedi made his first official visit to China since his inauguration in 2018. The two parties have decided to elevate their relations to the level of comprehensive cooperation and a strategic partnership.
The security situation remains worrying in certain regions of the country, particularly with the threat of armed groups and the resurgence of banditry and urban crime. The Congolese authorities have undertaken efforts to strengthen security arrangements in risk areas.
Regarding the humanitarian situation, the torrential rain that fell in the village of Patambamba caused significant damage, leaving 80 households homeless. The authorities have taken note of this situation.
Finally, the agreement concluded between the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo for the repatriation of refugees has given rise to reactions and comments from the public. With relations between the DRC and Rwanda strained, many Congolese are wondering if relations with China will change after Felix Tshisekedi’s visit.
[1] https://fathimetry