The state of siege that has been in force for two years in the provinces of North Kivu and Ituri in the Democratic Republic of Congo does not seem to be unanimous. Indeed, the socio-political actors of these two entities believe that this measure has not yet produced the expected results on the ground, as evidenced by the armed violence which continues to increase.
Thus, the preparatory work for the round table to be based on the future of the state of siege was launched on Monday, June 19, 2023 by the Prime Minister, Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde, in the red room of the Government Building. He called on the participants to show responsibility and patriotism in order to produce a work and a roadmap which should allow the smooth running of the Round Table. All the sectoral ministries, the security services, the external partners as well as the representatives of the two provinces concerned took part in this work which lasted until Thursday of the same week.
The security situation in these two provinces is far from reassuring despite this exceptional measure. The resurgence of the M23 rebellion which occupies towns in the territories of Rutshuru, Nyiragongo and Masisi in North Kivu is a real challenge for the authorities in place, who are struggling to find a solution to defeat this rebellion. All military initiatives have so far been unsuccessful and the diplomatic options do not show much encouragement.
It is therefore essential to determine through this round table whether the option of maintaining the state of siege is the best solution to overcome armed violence in these two provinces. The work brought together several members of the government, the presidents of the provincial assemblies and their deputies, the civilian governors replaced by the military, the leaders of FEC, the leaders of civil society, etc.
The expected results of this round table can have a considerable impact on the lives of the populations of these two provinces. This is therefore a situation that deserves in-depth reflection and the unfailing commitment of all the stakeholders involved in this work.