Special and political adviser Salomon Kalonda Della Idi was transferred to Ndolo, a highly secure military prison, after a brief hearing before the Gombe military prosecutor’s office in Kinshasa. His arrest was preceded by a series of searches in his residences, as well as those of his mother and his boss Moïse Katumbi, in Kinshasa and Lubumbashi.
The charges against him are serious. According to military intelligence, he allegedly conspired with Rwanda and the M23 terrorist movement to overthrow President Felix Tshisekedi and install a Katangese national there. He is also being prosecuted for illegal possession of weapons.
This situation once again attests to the fragility of the security and political situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. For several months, the province of North Kivu has been under tension in the face of the growing threat from armed groups. A dozen civilians were killed in Bakokoma in an alleged attack by the rebel group Codeco. In Kimbau, residents accused the police of murders and rapes.
However, there are also positive initiatives that are emerging. Garamba National Park recently welcomed white rhinos, thanks to a conservation initiative led by the Barrick Gold Corporation. DRC Mining Week 2023, meanwhile, launched a campaign for digital transformation and inclusion of women in the DRC’s mining industry.
Finally, the question of the exploitation of the DRC’s mineral resources remains an important subject of debate. While multinational mining companies have the potential to support the economic and social development of the country, it is imperative that they work closely with local communities and respect environmental and social standards.
In short, the Democratic Republic of the Congo faces complex challenges in many areas, which require a holistic approach and increased international collaboration to ensure the stability and sustainable development of the country.