Category: Challenges

Kasai, a central region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is experiencing an alarming situation in terms of isolation and poverty. However, despite the projects initiated by President Félix Tshisekedi, nothing is working and rumors of scheming around these projects are multiplying. Largely due to government inaction, planned projects in the region are seeing little or no visible progress. The difficulties encountered by the government are linked to some of its members, which hinders the development of the region.

Hundreds of fighters from the Mai-Mai and MNL movements have been quartered in the village of Bandundu in Ituri following an appeal from the Head of State. However, they are deprived of means of survival and do not have access to medical care, which leaves them fearing a resumption of their guerrilla activities if a solution is not quickly found. The leaders of these movements have called on the government to find a solution for their support, while the provincial coordinator of the P-DDRCS assured that an installation soon in the province of Bunia is planned. The situation remains critical and requires concrete measures to respond to this humanitarian crisis.

Opponent Matata Ponyo was prevented from accessing a conference room to discuss with students in Kenge, while other opponents are also banned from circulating in the country. These bans and the crackdown on peaceful protests increase fears of limited democracy and instability in the country.

Delly Sesanga, one of the opposition leaders in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), boycotted the plenary meeting to examine the bill on the distribution of seats. The law is challenged by the opposition for its unreliability and possible fraudulent use. Demonstrations are planned to pressure the government and demand a transparent and democratic election. Education unions also went on strike for a pay rise. Relations between the DRC and China are intensifying, while improving public finances is a major challenge for the country.

The political situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo is tense, with differences on the preparation of the next legislative, provincial, municipal and local elections. FCC elected officials, close to Joseph Kabila, boycott the process by demanding a consensual CENI and a non-subordinate Constitutional Court. Mass vaccination against measles has been launched to prevent epidemics, but tensions exist with the teachers’ strike. Modernization of public finance legislation is underway to improve management and attract investors. Congolese cinema is in the spotlight and the Tata Raphaël Stadium in Kinshasa is ready to host the 9th Games of La Francophonie. The political actors must continue their reforms to consolidate the rule of law and the development of the country.

The High Council for Audiovisual and Communication (CSAC) has re-examined the sanctions taken against the television channel CML13TV and its guests as well as the host of a program following the broadcast of a program considered hateful. The channel had its suspension reduced from 45 to 30 days, while the host was suspended for 72 days from all media in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and guests were banned for 90 days from all media broadcasting in Kinshasa. The CSAC wishes to discourage any delinquency of the media and asks for the collaboration of the parliamentary chambers to initiate disciplinary actions in this area.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Félix Tshisekedi to discuss the violence and humanitarian distress in eastern DRC. They discussed the need to end Rwanda’s support for the M23 armed group and to end collaborations with other non-state armed groups. The Secretary of State stressed the urgency of disarming the M23 in accordance with the Luanda communiqué and affirmed the right of the Congolese people to demonstrate peacefully, as well as the commitment of the United States to free and fair elections in the DRC. The situation is worrying and requires concerted action to preserve peace and stability in this crisis-affected region of Africa.

The health zone of Nyangezi in South Kivu launched a measles vaccination campaign on May 24, 2023 to cover the entire population and prevent epidemics. Parents were urged to bring their children for vaccination with the support of community outreach workers. The chef de groupement encouraged vaccination and underlined the importance of vaccination for the prevention of infectious diseases and the improvement of public health. Vaccination coverage in this health zone is constantly increasing.

This article from CONGOPROFOND.NET deals with the teachers’ strike in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the differences of opinion within the trade union intersyndicale. Teachers who are members of SYECO are threatening to leave this union because of the management of the strike which began on May 18th. In addition, the article also discusses other challenges facing the DRC, such as the electoral dispute, President Tshisekedi’s visit to China to renegotiate the controversial contract of the century, the accusations against Rwanda in the Teke Yaka conflict and the complaint of the Congolese Minister of Justice against the M23 movement before the ICC. Readers will find in the articles of CONGOPROFOND.NET a source of objective and complete information on the DRC.

The health zone of Nyangezi in South Kivu launched a measles vaccination campaign on May 24, 2023 to cover the entire population and prevent epidemics. Parents were urged to bring their children for vaccination with the support of community outreach workers. The chef de groupement encouraged vaccination and underlined the importance of vaccination for the prevention of infectious diseases and the improvement of public health. Vaccination coverage in this health zone is constantly increasing.