The round table on the state of siege in North Kivu and Ituri, which opened in Kinshasa on August 14, is generating reactions and concerns from civil society in the Beni territory. In a statement, Richard Kirimba, first vice-president of civil society, warns against the appointment of special commissioners to head these two provinces, saying that the power of the people must return to the civil administration.
The local population expresses its wish to see the state of siege lifted and that power be restored to civilians. The exceptional measure of the state of siege was introduced in May 2021 to combat insecurity in North Kivu and Ituri. However, despite this measure, insecurity persists with the active presence of the ADF and other local armed groups.
Civil society warns all those who politicize the issue and consider appointing general commissioners to replace the leaders elected by the population. Richard Kirimba stresses the importance of preserving the general interest and not being influenced by particular interests.
The round table, initiated by President Félix Tshisekedi, is therefore responsible for finding a solution to this controversy. It will have to take into account the concerns of civil society and find a balance between security and respect for the rights and the will of the population.
It is essential that this round table takes into consideration the voices of all the actors involved, guaranteeing citizen participation and ensuring that the final decision is in accordance with the aspirations of the Congolese people. The security situation in North Kivu and Ituri requires a holistic approach, where security goes hand in hand with development, justice and respect for human rights.
The ultimate objective of this round table should be to find a lasting and inclusive solution to end the insecurity and restore confidence between the authorities and the population. This requires the establishment of good governance and transparency mechanisms, as well as the strengthening of the civil administration in these provinces.
It is therefore essential that the participants in this round table take into account the concerns of civil society and act in the general interest of the population. The appointment of the special commissioners should not be a means of politicizing the situation, but rather a means of meeting the needs of the local population.
In conclusion, civil society in the territory of Beni warns against the appointment of special commissioners and calls for the lifting of the state of siege in North Kivu and Ituri. The round table must take these concerns into account and work to find a lasting solution that meets the expectations of the population and guarantees the security and development of these provinces