Title: Point of view on the assessment of the state of siege in the provinces of North Kivu and Ituri
Introduction :
The round table on the evaluation of the state of siege in the provinces of North Kivu and Ituri, which was recently held, raised many questions as to the follow-up actions to be taken. The participants were faced with the difficult decision to maintain, requalify or lift the state of siege. In this context, the Minister of Industry, Julien Paluku, proposed an innovative approach, combining diplomacy, politics and military. In this article, we will take a closer look at Mr. Paluku’s proposals and their potential for finding a lasting solution to the situation.
Maintain, requalify or lift the state of siege:
The state of siege, decreed in May 2021, was intended to concentrate all power in the hands of the military in order to fight the recurring wars in eastern DRC. However, according to Mr. Paluku, the operational actions related to the state of siege have not lived up to the expectations of the President of the Republic and the people. Faced with this reality, it is crucial to consider other approaches to deal with the threats to the integrity of the country.
Mr. Paluku’s proposals:
On the diplomatic and political level, Mr. Paluku suggests continuing the Nairobi and Luanda processes, by allocating concrete financial resources to the Disarmament, Demobilization and Community Reintegration and Stabilization Program (PDDRCS). This would make it possible to move from declared intentions to real action on the ground.
At the military-political level, the Minister of Industry advocates the end of the state of siege and the return of civilians to all levels of territorial administration. It stresses the importance of the authorities appointed at the head of cities, territories and municipalities, which play a key role in supporting military actions.
An alternative approach:
In addition to these proposals, Mr. Paluku proposes the creation of an advanced General Staff in Beni, which would serve as a central point to manage operations in Ituri and North Kivu. This advanced General Staff would be placed under the direct command of the Supreme Commander and would benefit from exceptional powers in derogation of the general organization of the armed forces. This approach would avoid the red tape and the usual interference in the management of funds intended for military operations.
In addition, Mr. Paluku proposes the establishment of two resistance centers in Goma and Bunia, which would operate within this advanced General Staff. It also underlines the importance of an implementation strategy of the Defense Armed Reserve in order to avoid the proliferation of armed groups..
Conclusion :
The question of the assessment of the state of siege in the provinces of North Kivu and Ituri raises debates as to the measures to be taken to guarantee the security and stability of the region. Mr. Paluku’s proposals provide interesting elements and deserve close study. By combining diplomacy, politics and military, it seems possible to find a more effective approach to respond to the complex challenges facing the DRC. It is essential to examine these proposals thoroughly and consider concrete actions to achieve a lasting solution