“Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, recently called on the marginalized to join the disarmament and reintegration operation. This statement was made during the opening of a round table aimed at assessing the situation of the state of siege in the provinces of Ituri and North Kivu, which have faced persistent insecurity for many decades.
President Tshisekedi underlined that the insecurity in the east of the country threatened the very existence of the institutions and justified the establishment of the exceptional regime that is the state of siege. However, he also asserted that this regime was not intended to last indefinitely.
Awaiting the results of the roundtable, the President appealed to those who disrupt the peace, inviting them to take this last chance to join the program of disarmament, demobilization, community recovery and stabilization. This initiative aims to offer a peaceful exit to the rebel groups still present on the national territory.
The Prime Minister, Sama Lukonde, also highlighted during the round table the numerous assessment missions carried out in the provinces affected by the state of siege. National deputies, notables, animators, institutions and civil society actors took part in these crucial discussions.
The state of siege in Ituri and North Kivu has led to sacrifices for local populations, affecting their usual ways of life. However, President Tshisekedi has insisted that the exceptional regime was not meant to last, but rather to provide a temporary solution to lingering insecurity.
It is clear that the situation in the DRC requires bold measures and a strong commitment to restore peace and stability in the region. The disarmament and reintegration operation offers an opportunity for the marginalized to renounce violence and contribute positively to society.
It remains to be seen how this initiative will be implemented and whether it will bear fruit. Addressing security issues in eastern DRC will require a holistic approach that combines military efforts, political initiatives and socio-economic development efforts.
In any case, President Tshisekedi’s appeal shows his determination to put an end to insecurity and his commitment to national reconciliation