The lifting of the state of siege in the provinces of North Kivu and Ituri: new hope for the population
In a context marked by persistent insecurity in the provinces of North Kivu and Ituri in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the population impatiently hopes for the lifting of the state of siege. This decision, which was decreed in May 2021 with the aim of putting an end to violence and instability in these regions, is today giving rise to numerous debates and questions.
During a recent round table on the assessment of the state of siege held in Kinshasa, the president of the urban coordination of civil society in Butembo, Pastor Mathe Saanane, spoke in favor of the lifting of this exceptional measure. He stressed that his commission had presented more than thirty-three arguments in favor of lifting the state of siege, thus demonstrating its manifest failure. He also mentioned the support of the population who ardently wish to return to normal life and put an end to the situation of insecurity which has persisted for too long.
Pastor Mathe Saanane places his trust in the willingness of the President of the Republic to meet the expectations of the people. He recalls the Head of State’s slogan, “the people first”, and hopes that he will take into consideration the numerous arguments in favor of lifting the state of siege. According to the pastor, during the round table, the Prime Minister also understood that the majority of participants insisted on this lifting, a sign of its blatant failure.
However, the final decision rests with the President of the Republic and it is essential that he hears the voices of the population who aspire to a return to normality. The lifting of the state of siege would be seen as a strong sign of the government’s desire to guarantee the security and well-being of its citizens.
It is undeniable that the persistent insecurity in the provinces of North Kivu and Ituri has an impact on the daily lives of residents. Travel is restricted, economic activities are disrupted and the population lives in constant fear of armed attacks. Lifting the state of siege would restore hope to residents, stimulate regional development and create an environment conducive to peace and stability.
It is therefore crucial that the President of the Republic takes into account the expectations of the people and takes a decision in favor of lifting the state of siege. This would mark a significant turning point in the fight against insecurity and would pave the way for a more serene future for the provinces of North Kivu and Ituri. The population is impatiently waiting for the situation to evolve and for peace to finally return to this ravaged land.