The east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been the scene of a new attack against civilians. The attack on the Lala camp for displaced persons perpetrated by rebels identified with the CODECO militia killed more than 45 people, including 23 children, according to the United Nations Children’s Organization (UNICEF). This tragedy occurred in a context of conflict that has persisted since 2017 and intensified since the beginning of 2023. Armed groups are increasingly targeting civilians, schools and hospitals, with a provisional toll of 600 civilians killed and more than 200 injured in six months.
For UNICEF, there is no justification for targeting already vulnerable civilians and the trauma experienced by children is unimaginable. The organization estimates that 5,000 children were affected by the attack, having lost their parents, siblings, homes and belongings, toys and school supplies. She says she is responding to the humanitarian needs of displaced people and host communities in eastern DRC and providing psychological support to injured children and their parents and treating injured children who have not been hospitalized.
This new attack is a further reminder of the urgency of the situation in eastern DRC and the importance of strengthening the protection of children and their families. The government must hold the aggressors to account and put an end to this disastrous situation. The actors of the international community must also continue their efforts to guarantee the safety of the populations concerned.
In a tense political context, public broadcasting has recently been the scene of a controversy over homosexual practices in Haut-Katanga, highlighting deep tensions within Congolese society. The issue of inclusion is central to ensuring fair and transparent elections, despite ongoing political challenges. Added to this issue of diversity and inclusion is the control of subcontracting and the expansion of the Congolese middle class. The recent regulations in this area respond to this concern.
Digital policy is also one of the challenges for the future in the DRC, with significant progress in the Digital Code. The Democratic Republic of Congo is also preparing for historic national elections at the end of the year. The Congolese opposition is determined to defend fair elections despite government repression, and the Independent National Electoral Commission is committed to ensuring inclusiveness during elections despite political challenges.
Political tension is growing in the DRC, and the ban on an opposition meeting in Kinshasa bears witness to the ongoing turmoil. Nevertheless, the March session of the National Assembly presented a promising legislative record, with ambitious orientations to encourage the development of agriculture and underline the importance of cooperation between sectors.
Economic development must therefore be considered in a comprehensive and integrated manner with the issue of peace, stability and inclusiveness in the DRC. The news reflects the urgency of the situation in the east of the country, where many civilians are facing an unacceptable situation of violence