The Democratic Republic of Congo experienced this Saturday, June 10, 2023, the installation of the new committee of the youth parliament of Haut-Katanga. The elections allowed Sylvain Matipa, territorial president of the parliament, Lycaon Dowo, his vice-president, reporting secretary and deputy quaestor of the parliament, to represent the youth parliament of Pweto.
However, this ceremony revealed the poor quality of the national road N°5 linking Pweto to Lubumbashi. The parliamentarians had to cross Zambia to reach Lubumbashi, while this road is crucial for the economy and social life of the province. However, two large mining companies operate in this region and pay mining royalties and other taxes.
The population of the Province of Pweto suffers from a difficult economic situation, amplified by the absence of the provincial executive, which is almost non-existent in the region. Critics of Governor Jacques Kyabula accuse him of failing to develop the region, turning politics into a game of football by transforming the football team into a political party.
Pweto’s elected ministers have also failed to turn the tide, despite being chosen to hold key portfolios, including ministers of communications and government spokespersons, arts, health and finances.
The installation of the new committee of the youth parliament of Haut-Katanga welcomed several guests, including the provincial youth minister and many young youth leaders from the DRC. The national president of the youth parliament, Honorable Hussein Ndala, as well as the honorable president Modeste BETU, took office.
The Democratic Republic of Congo is faced with various challenges, spread throughout the country. Some regions face persistent problems of insecurity, such as what is happening in the Rwenzori sector, where ADF rebels are paralyzing education and terrorizing the population. Other regions have economic development problems, such as Pweto, where the population does not benefit from the mining benefits.
However, the country has launched several programs to improve the situation. For example, a new agricultural program is underway in partnership with DEM and Bio-Agro-Business to stimulate rural development. The Democratic Republic of Congo is also preparing for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where the Leopards will face the Panthers of Gabon.
The security situation and the electoral process are also at the heart of the concerns of the European Union, which is discussing with the DRC ambassador to Benelux and to the EU. However, the region faces many challenges, such as the kidnapping of 100 people in April and the illegal occupation of the residence of Moïse Katumbi. Future prospects remain uncertain