In a complex and tense socio-political context, the Deputy Minister of Justice and International Litigation, Samuel Mbemba, recently expressed the importance of conducting an assessment of the state of siege in force in the provinces of Ituri and North Kivu. This announcement, made during his respective speeches at the National Assembly and the Senate, is part of a desire for transparency and accountability to citizens and institutions.
Thus, November 21 will mark the beginning of a government mission that will also involve the participation of Parliament in these two provinces. The objective of this assessment is to measure the impact of the measures taken under the state of siege and to consider the avenues for improvement necessary to guarantee security and stability in these regions plagued by centuries-old conflicts.
Faced with this initiative, the President of the National Assembly, Vital Kamerhe, stressed the importance of these meetings being held at the headquarters of Parliament in order to ensure transparent and inclusive governance. He argued in favour of a concerted approach between the different institutions for an effective assessment of the state of siege and the development of lasting solutions to address the security challenges in the region.
The extension of the state of siege in Ituri and North Kivu was recently debated in both Houses of Parliament, highlighting divergent opinions on its effectiveness and relevance. While the Lower House voted in favour of this extension without debate, the Upper House engaged in lively discussions raising questions about the capacity of the state of siege to restore peace in these areas plagued by insecurity and persistent violence.
In conclusion, the assessment of the state of siege in Ituri and North Kivu is proving to be a crucial step in the search for lasting solutions to establish peace and stability in these regions scarred by decades of conflict. Collaboration between the government, Parliament and local stakeholders appears to be a necessity to guarantee transparent and participatory governance, essential to respond to the security and humanitarian challenges that arise daily in these regions in search of peace.