Press review of Thursday August 24, 2023: Hot news in the DRC
In a tense political context, several subjects made the headlines in the DRC this Thursday, August 24. A US Congressional delegation visited the country to discuss the situation in the east and strengthen ties between the two nations. At the same time, the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) inaugurated the House of Elections, a place of information and dialogue on the ongoing electoral process.
The weight of Rwandan influence in eastern DRC was at the heart of the discussions of the US Congressional delegation. The 1st Vice-President of the National Assembly, André Mbata Betu Kumesu, has called for sanctions against Rwanda for its support for the M23 rebellion. He stressed the importance of putting an end to this aggression which hinders the development of the country and of Africa as a whole.
In a fruitful exchange with President Félix Tshisekedi, the American delegation expressed its desire to support the DRC in its economic development and to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries. A bipartisan group in Congress is currently working on a bill to strengthen those ties.
At the same time, the CENI opened the House of Elections in Kinshasa, a place for discussion and sharing of information on the electoral process. This space will be open to the public and will notably welcome representatives of community radio stations to provide them with as much information as possible on upcoming activities and legal innovations. The House of Elections will also facilitate trainings for the media, civil society and political parties, in the interests of inclusiveness and transparency.
These events mark a significant step forward in the political and electoral process in the DRC. Discussions with the American delegation are strengthening the country’s diplomatic relations and opening up prospects for economic development. As for the House of Elections, it is an essential communication tool for informing and involving citizens in the ongoing electoral process.
The DRC is going through a crucial period in its history, and these actions demonstrate efforts to strengthen political stability, promote economic development and guarantee transparent and inclusive elections