Installation of a temporary FRIVAO office in Kinshasa
As part of the establishment of the Special Fund for Reparation of compensation to victims of Uganda’s illicit activities in the DRC (FRIVAO), the Minister of State, Minister of Justice and Minister of Justice, Rose Mutombo, announced during the hundred and ninth meeting of the Council of Ministers the provision of a provisional FRIVAO office in Kinshasa. This temporary office will await the development of the structure’s headquarters planned in the city of Kisangani.
Minister Rose Mutombo also indicated that state funding for an initial allocation is being implemented. This initial allocation follows the first payment of $65 million made by Uganda in September 2022, in accordance with the judgment of the International Court of Justice. This amount is subdivided into five installments, the first of which has already been paid. The distribution of funds aims to compensate those affected for damages caused by Uganda’s illicit activities. Thus, 69.2% will be allocated to damage caused to people, 12.3% to damage caused to property and 18.4% to damage relating to natural resources.
The management of the first two quotas, intended for victims and their beneficiaries, will be ensured by the leaders of FRIVAO. As for the share going to the Congolese State, i.e. 18.4%, it will be used for collective reparation projects in the provinces directly impacted by Uganda’s activities.
Furthermore, the minister stressed that an interministerial consultation took place to find rapid solutions to the problem of electricity supply in the towns affected by Uganda’s activities.
This progress in the establishment of the FRIVAO is an important step for the compensation of victims of Uganda’s illicit activities in the DRC. The temporary office in Kinshasa will allow repair work to begin while waiting for the headquarters in Kisangani to be set up. This reparations fund represents hope for the victims and their beneficiaries, as well as for the regions impacted by Uganda’s actions.