At the heart of the Congolese National Assembly, a deep malaise was felt during the recent plenary session on Thursday, September 19, 2024. MPs from the provinces under siege, particularly those from North Kivu and Ituri, expressed their discontent with the extension of this exceptional measure without any real debate.
MP Justin Bitakwira, representing Uvira in South Kivu, strongly challenged the Head of State, stressing the urgency of listening to the voices of local populations affected by the war. He stressed that a decision as crucial as the state of siege should not be imposed without really taking into account the opinions of those primarily concerned.
The tension was palpable in the chamber, with MPs denouncing the increasingly economic nature of the state of siege. Gratien Iracan de Saint-Nicolas, MP for Bunia in Ituri, denounced the illicit exploitation of mineral resources by some generals to the detriment of the protection of local populations. A vision shared by many elected officials who are calling for increased transparency in the management of this crisis.
On the North Kivu side, MP Prince Willy Mishiki, elected from Walikale, highlighted the lack of constructive debates involving local elected officials in decision-making regarding the state of siege. For him, this measure has shown its limits and should be reviewed in a more inclusive and effective perspective.
Faced with this growing criticism, it is time to rethink the role of the National Assembly in managing the security crisis in the provinces of Ituri and North Kivu. Real consultation with local stakeholders and transparency in resource management are essential to restore the confidence of the populations and truly work towards peace and stability in the region.
In conclusion, the current situation calls for a deep reflection on the decision-making and crisis management mechanisms in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is time to listen to the voices of the affected communities, to place transparency and efficiency at the heart of the actions carried out and to work collectively to restore the long-awaited peace and security.