Assessment of the state of siege in North Kivu and Ituri: Advocacy for the lifting of this exceptional measure
From August 14 to 16, Kinshasa was the scene of an assessment of the state of siege decreed two years ago in the provinces of North Kivu and Ituri. This exceptional measure had been put in place with the aim of strengthening security and combating the armed groups that are rampant in the region. However, after two years of implementation, many are now pleading for the lifting of this measure and for a change of strategy.
Passy Mubalama, a pro-democracy activist based in North Kivu, is one of the voices that is being heard calling for the lifting of the state of siege. According to her, the population of North Kivu suffers from the ineffectiveness of this measure, which has failed to guarantee security in the region. On the contrary, human rights violations have multiplied, thus aggravating the precarious situation of the inhabitants. In addition, the region’s economy has been badly affected, with a large number of displaced people and an alarming humanitarian situation.
For Ms. Mubalama, it is time for the Head of State to take into account the demands of civil society and lift the measure of the state of siege. However, it also underlines the need to strengthen border security personnel to ensure the protection of populations. It is essential that the military be properly equipped to deal with the armed groups that continue to pose a threat in the region.
The report of the round table was submitted to President Félix Tshisekedi, who will have the final responsibility to decide on the future of the state of siege. These deliberations come less than six months from the general elections, where a favorable climate is essential to ensure peaceful and transparent elections. It is therefore essential to find a solution that preserves both the security of the populations and the smooth running of the electoral process.
This call for the lifting of the state of siege is a sign that the population expects more effective measures to ensure their security and guarantee a better future. It is essential that the government takes these concerns into account and puts in place alternative strategies that meet the real needs of the populations and promote lasting peace in the North Kivu and Ituri regions.
The next decisions taken by President Tshisekedi will therefore have a major impact on the future of these tormented provinces and on the stability of the Democratic Republic of the Congo as a whole. Hopefully the measures taken will live up to people’s expectations and contribute to a safer and more prosperous future for all