Explore the province of North Kivu: Between security conflicts and popular demonstrations
The North Kivu province, located in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, is a region that regularly makes headlines due to its security instability. Residents live in constant fear of armed groups operating in the region and the violence that ensues.
In recent news, newspapers report the demonstrations which broke out in Kinshasa in response to the words of the Polish President, Andrzej Duda, affirming that his country would support Rwanda in the event of an attack against the DRC. The Congolese express their dissatisfaction with this statement and demand the expulsion of the Polish diplomat. Unfortunately, these protests were overshadowed by an alleged attack by the Rwandan army in the city of Goma, capital of the North Kivu province.
According to available information, a surface-to-air missile was used to drop at least one bomb on Goma. It is also reported that the Rwandan army fired on a UN observation drone a few days earlier. French authorities have confirmed that the armored vehicle used in the attack came from Rwanda.
Meanwhile, the inhabitants of Kinshasa are not taking off. Despite the government’s condemnations after recent demonstrations against MONUSCO and other international representations, demonstrators continue to express their dissatisfaction with the attitude of the international community in the security crisis in the east of the country. Motorcycle taxi drivers, mainly involved in these demonstrations, set fires near diplomatic buildings and international organizations.
Videos and images from these protests show a city gripped by anger and frustration. Socioeconomic activities are partially paralyzed and the Congolese national police are deployed en masse to maintain order.
Alongside these events, good news is emerging in the province of North Kivu. Thanks to a fruitful collaboration with the Kingdom of Belgium, essential equipment for the repair and reconditioning of turbine number 1 of the Tshopo hydroelectric power station has arrived in Likasi. This marks the start of a new era for electricity supply in the region.
The National Electricity Company (SNEL) will do everything possible to ensure that group 1 of the Kisangani hydroelectric plant can join the electricity network before the end of the year. This initiative will ensure sufficient energy supply to subscribers and contribute to the socio-economic development of the region..
Despite persistent security challenges, the North Kivu province is therefore facing popular demonstrations expressing anger against continued violence and positive progress in the field of energy. The future of this region remains uncertain, but it is important to highlight the efforts of local and international actors to find lasting solutions. The people of North Kivu deserve peace and development, and supporting these initiatives is essential to achieving long-term stability.