Cooperation between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Belgium was discussed during a meeting between a delegation of Belgian parliamentarians and President Tshisekedi at the Cité de l’Union Africaine in Kinshasa yesterday. The Belgian elected officials notably reassured the Head of State on a greater involvement of the EU in the resolution of the aggression of the DRC by Rwanda via the M23. Corruption and the 2023 elections were also discussed. Previously, the delegation had been received at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission to closely follow the ongoing electoral process.
This is not the first time that Belgian parliamentarians have traveled to the DRC to observe the elections and support the consolidation of democracy in the country. The Congolese political situation has been closely monitored by the international community for several years, marked by significant progress but also gray areas.
During the same day, the International Criminal Court launched an investigation into crimes against humanity committed in the province of Lituari, while transporters suspended transport on the roads leading to the former eastern province. Despite the challenges faced, the schools continue to function. Nearly 53,000 finalist students took the ENAFEP in the Kasai region. Finally, several citizens’ movements called for the release of political prisoners and denounced the restriction of civic space in the country.
The fair for young Congolese entrepreneurs, meanwhile, allowed a day of inspiration and exchanges to advance economic dynamism in the DRC. Julienne Lusenge has also been appointed deputy coordinator of the national monitoring mechanism for the Addis Ababa Framework Agreement, a step forward for the representation of women in the consolidation of peace in the DRC.
The situation in the DRC is therefore complex, but carries ambitious initiatives and projects for the reconstruction of the rule of law and political and economic stability. Find more articles on our blog to follow these exciting developments in the Congolese scene