Title: “Conflict between ministries in the DRC: the eviction of former SOSIDER agents raises controversy”
Introduction :
The DRC is the scene of a conflict between the Ministries of Portfolio and Urban Planning and Housing over the eviction of former agents of the steel company, SOSIDER. More than 1,350 former state agents are threatened with being evicted from the homes they have occupied for more than 40 years. While the Ministry of the Portfolio claims these homes for non-payment of rent, the Ministry of Urban Planning and Housing affirms that these houses fall within the private domain of the State. This situation sparked a strong reaction from tenants and representatives of former SOSIDER agents. In this article, we will examine the different positions and tensions generated by this eviction affair.
The conflict between ministries:
For several weeks, former SOSIDER agents have been facing the threat of eviction from their homes. The Ministry of State Portfolio is requesting their eviction for non-payment of rent, despite the fact that the SOSIDER company has been bankrupt for 10 years. For their part, the tenants assert that these houses fall within the private domain of the State and that they have rental and housing lease contracts with the Ministry of Urban Planning and Housing. This situation led to a real battle between the two ministries, with contradictory accusations and arguments.
The defense of tenants:
The Tenants League (LILOC) mobilized to defend the rights of former SOSIDER agents. The president of LILOC called on the two ministries to resolve this situation before the Council of Ministers and the Head of State. He said it is unfair that tenants are threatened with eviction after they have occupied these homes for decades. He calls for regularization of their situation to avoid a social crisis.
The position of the representatives of the former SOSIDER agents:
For their part, representatives of former SOSIDER agents claim to defend the private property of the State. They emphasize that these houses were built with the late President Mobutu’s own funds. They believe that by defending these properties, they are contributing to the rule of law advocated by President Tshisekedi. They thus reject the accusations of non-payment of rent and ask for respect for the rights of the State in this matter.
Conclusion :
The conflict between the Ministries of Portfolio and Urban Planning and Housing around the eviction of former SOSIDER agents is causing tensions and disagreements. While the Ministry of the Portfolio claims these houses for non-payment of rent, the Ministry of Urban Planning and Housing affirms that they are private property of the State. Tenants and representatives of ex-SOSIDER agents mobilized to defend their respective rights. It is now up to the relevant authorities to find a solution that is fair and equitable for all parties involved.