Back Politics: Assessing the state of siege in the DRC
More than two years after the proclamation of the state of siege in the provinces of Ituri and North Kivu, the President of the Republic Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo opened a round table to assess this exceptional measure. For three days, the participants, including members of the government, elected officials and social and economic actors from the provinces concerned, will reflect in depth on the state of siege decreed in May 2021.
In his opening speech, President Tshisekedi stressed that the state of siege was a necessary response to the persistent insecurity in the two provinces for decades. He also recalled that this measure was not intended to last, but rather to restore a lasting peace for the well-being of the entire nation. The president called on the participants to take the real measure of the situation, because the survival of the country is at stake.
During the three days of evaluation, recommendations and resolutions will be formulated and presented to the President so that he can make an informed decision. Prime Minister Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde also recalled his government’s commitment to put an end to insecurity, by organizing roaming missions and listening to the concerns of affected populations.
It is important to remember that the state of siege is an exceptional and provisional measure, initially decreed for a period of 30 days and renewed for successive periods of 15 days after ratification by parliament.
This round table marks a crucial step in the assessment of the state of siege in the DRC. By bringing together key players and encouraging in-depth reflection, President Tshisekedi demonstrates his desire to find lasting solutions to the insecurity that plagues the provinces of Ituri and North Kivu. The Congolese nation eagerly awaits the results of this assessment and hopes that concrete actions will be taken to guarantee security and stability in these troubled regions