Fatshimetrie, October 1, 2024 – Yesterday, a high-level meeting was held in Kisangani aimed at strengthening security and cohesion in the Tshopo province, in the northeast of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister in charge of National Defense, Guy Kabombo Muadiamvita, this meeting addressed several major security issues.
At the heart of the discussions, the community conflict between the Mbole and the Lengola, as well as the security issues present in the Bafwasende territory were highlighted. In addition, the management of the army’s assets in this region was also discussed, thus highlighting the complexity of the challenges that local authorities must face.
During this provincial security council, integrated strategies were considered, bringing together not only military and civilian authorities, but also national and provincial deputies. It became clear that the security situation in Tshopo cannot be improved without close collaboration between all stakeholders.
Deputy Prime Minister Guy Kabombo Muadiamvita stressed the strategic importance of this region, stressing the government’s firm commitment to making it a stronghold of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo. His visit to Camp Sergent Ketele, where he spoke with the wives of soldiers, provided an opportunity to assess the concerns of the soldiers’ families.
Faced with the wives’ legitimate demands regarding the living conditions and salaries of soldiers, the Deputy Prime Minister pledged to raise these concerns at the highest level of the State. He promised concrete actions to improve the situation starting with the 2025 budget, so that soldiers receive decent pay.
During his visit to the region, Guy Kabombo Muadiamvita met with military officers, visited strategic installations such as the Kilonga Konga powder magazine, and encouraged recruits during a briefing at the Lieutenant-General Bahuma Training Center. His determination to support the Armed Forces and strengthen security in Tshopo province is evident in his actions on the ground.
Closing his visit with a demonstration of the capabilities of the Canine Battalion, the Deputy Prime Minister stressed the importance of training and equipping troops to ensure the protection and stabilization of this strategic region. The political will displayed during this meeting suggests promising prospects for the security and development of Tshopo.
In a context marked by major security issues, the mobilization of authorities and local actors is more necessary than ever to guarantee stability and peace in this crucial region of the Democratic Republic of Congo.