State of Siege in the DRC: Advocacy for a gradual lifting and lasting security of the provinces of Ituri and North Kivu
For more than two years, the provinces of Ituri and North Kivu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have been under a state of siege, an exceptional measure aimed at combating armed groups and restoring security in the region. However, the representatives of the two provinces have recently expressed their wish to see this measure lifted gradually, highlighting the political, security and socio-economic issues of the country.
During a round table organized to discuss the future of the state of siege, the representatives of Ituri and North Kivu stressed that the commission in charge of this measure had been weakened by the lack of arguments solid and that that advocating requalification had been dissolved for lack of a constitutional basis. They therefore called on the Congolese government to restore the civil authorities of the two provinces in accordance with the legal provisions and to strengthen military operations to ensure lasting security.
The representatives also recommended the revitalization of the Disarmament, Demobilization, Community Recovery and Stabilization Program (P-DDRCS) in order to support ex-militia volunteers in the peace process. This comprehensive approach aims to combine security efforts with development and reconciliation actions to ensure long-term stability.
It should be recalled that the state of siege has been extended more than 50 times by the Senate and the National Assembly since its establishment more than 27 months ago. However, representatives of the provinces of Ituri and North Kivu believe that a gradual lifting of this measure is necessary to respond to the country’s current challenges and to allow the civil authorities to resume the management of local affairs.
The roundtable on the state of siege was held in Kinshasa, the Congolese capital, with the participation of Prime Minister Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde. The conclusions and recommendations of this meeting will be transmitted to the President of the Republic Félix Tshisekedi for decision.
It is essential to find a balance between security and socio-economic stability to ensure the sustainable development of the provinces of Ituri and North Kivu. The gradual lifting of the state of siege, combined with disarmament, demobilization and development efforts, could help build a peaceful and prosperous future for these regions. It is now up to the Congolese government to make an informed decision that will guarantee security while promoting the reconstruction and development of the provinces concerned