Fatshimetrie, October 8, 2024 – The Senate of the Democratic Republic of Congo recently took a decision that arouses the interest and attention of all citizens concerned by the precarious situation in North Kivu and Ituri. Indeed, the vote in favor of extending the state of siege in these regions shows the government’s commitment to ensuring security and stability in areas often troubled by armed conflicts.
During this parliamentary session, the National Assembly had already adopted this bill, thus paving the way for a series of debates and discussions within the Senate. Out of a total of 109 senators, 75 took part in the vote, and the overwhelming majority of 72 votes in favor of the extension underlines the importance given to this exceptional measure to address the persistent security challenges in these regions.
The President of the Republic invoked the need for this extension due to the absence of conditions for lasting peace. Despite the efforts made, the persistent threat from armed groups, including the M23, as well as other disruptive factors, justifies the maintenance of this state of siege as an essential means to restore peace and security in these regions.
The Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of the Interior, Decentralization and Customary Affairs stressed the relevance of this extension in the current context marked by the persistence of attacks and security threats. He stressed the need to provide the defense and security forces with the necessary means to combat incursions and acts of violence perpetrated by armed groups.
The debate in the Senate also highlighted the issue of the moratorium on the death penalty, encouraging the government to explore alternative avenues to guarantee justice and security, while respecting the fundamental rights of the population.
In a complex regional and international context, marked by strategic issues and divergent interests, the Senate’s support for this extension sends a strong signal of determination and unity in the fight against insecurity and acts of violence that threaten the stability of the country.
Thus, by extending the state of siege in North Kivu and Ituri, the DRC affirms its desire to put an end to the actions of armed and terrorist groups, to restore the authority of the State and to guarantee the security of local populations. This decision, approved by the Senate, constitutes a further step towards resolving conflicts and building lasting peace in these regions ravaged by violence and unrest.