Title: The state of siege in the DRC: towards an assessment and crucial decisions
Introduction :
This Monday, August 14, 2023, opened in Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Round Table on the state of siege in force for more than two years in the provinces of Ituri and North Kivu. This meeting, which will last three days, aims to assess the situation and take decisions concerning the maintenance, lifting or requalification of this special regime. The President of the DRC, aware of the need for a responsible solution, called for in-depth reflection on the part of the participants, including provincial deputies, representatives of civil society and military authorities.
An objective and responsible assessment:
The President of the DRC underlined the importance of this Round Table to assess the relevance of the state of siege in the provinces of Ituri and North Kivu. He called on participants to be aware of the situation and to act responsibly, because the future of the nation is at stake. This assessment will determine whether this special regime should be maintained, lifted or reconsidered with a view to a new governance.
The expectations of the Congolese government:
The Congolese Prime Minister recalled the President’s desire to make Congo a peaceful state. In the provinces under a state of siege, several voices are raised in favor of lifting this exceptional measure, while others support its maintenance. The Round Table will make it possible to take into account these different perspectives and to advance the process of pacification.
The participation of various actors:
Participants in the Round Table include provincial deputies, representatives of civil society, customary chiefs, delegates of ethnic communities, representatives of religious denominations, women’s associations, young people, people with disabilities, etc. This diversity of actors guarantees multiple consideration of the realities and needs of the various stakeholders.
Conclusion :
The round table on the state of siege in the DRC represents a crucial step in the search for a responsible and lasting solution for the provinces of Ituri and North Kivu. Consultation between the various actors will make it possible to objectively assess the relevance of this special regime and to take decisions in accordance with the needs of the nation. Let’s hope that these three days of reflection will lead to solutions conducive to the pacification of the country and the construction of a better future