Monusco has decided to support the pre-cantonment and cantonment of the rebels of the M23 movement in the DRC. The objective is to strengthen security in the eastern region of the country. As part of this strategy, the Congolese government chose Rumangabo as the pre-cantonment site. This town will serve as a transit point for the guerrillas en route to the cantonment site at Kindu, in the province of Maniema.
The UN Deputy Secretary General, in charge of peacekeeping, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, declared that Monusco is committed to supporting this operation with “our political efforts and also with our logistical support”. He also underlined Monusco’s solidarity with the various regional initiatives for the return of peace in eastern DRC.
However, the security situation in the eastern region of the DRC leaves something to be desired. M23 rebels and other armed groups still operate there despite regional and international efforts. The Congolese government has therefore warned that these groups are strengthening their positions in preparation for an offensive on the city of Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu.
In addition, the region is plagued by atrocities committed by the CODECO militia. Peace dialogues have been launched to end this spiral of violence, but the recent attacks show that much remains to be done.
Faced with all these difficulties, the DRC has initiated a pooling process to establish a general file of the population. The objective is to better manage the workforce and the payroll in the country. In addition, the General Inspectorate of Finance in the DRC continues its fight against corruption and the embezzlement of public funds despite the recent acquittal of a former Minister of Health. Finally, a new political platform – the Alternative for a New Congo – was created to offer a better future to the Congolese people.
In short, the situation in the DRC remains complex, but the various initiatives undertaken so far suggest a glimmer of hope for Central Africa.