The state of siege in force in the provinces of Ituri and North Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo since May 2021 has been the focus of concern in recent times. Through a round table organized by the Prime Minister, Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde, the preparatory work was launched with the aim of defining the future of this measure which directly affects the population.
The objective is to produce work and a roadmap that should allow the Round Table to run smoothly. All the information collected during the mixed missions will be submitted for the decision of the President of the Republic. This round table, scheduled until Thursday, brings together all the sectoral ministries, the security services, the external partners as well as the representatives of the two provinces concerned.
If this exceptional measure was put in place to try to resolve the security crisis in the two provinces concerned, it is above all decried by several socio-political actors for its ineffectiveness on the ground. Indeed, armed violence perpetrated by negative forces has steadily increased. This also coincides with the resurgence of the M23 rebellion in several territories of North Kivu.
The lifting of this exceptional measure is therefore strongly demanded by the population and voices are beginning to rise to demand a change of method on the ground. However, the diplomatic solution has not yet produced the expected effects to restore peace in these regions.
In short, the round table on the future of the state of siege in North Kivu and Ituri is an important issue for the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The outcome of this meeting could directly impact the population and should be closely monitored.