Category: International

In the South Kivu 1 educational province, educational activities for the 2022-2023 school year were a success, with an action plan 73% completed. However, challenges persist and governance will be at the heart of next year’s actions. A symposium on improving the quality of education is held in Bukavu to strengthen educational governance. At the same time, efforts are being made to promote gender equality and the empowerment of women in science and technology in Africa. Other news from the region includes the DRC’s performance at the Jeux de la Francophonie, the mobilization of the Nigerien community and the initiatives to combat plastic waste in Cameroon.

MONUSCO peacekeepers showed courage and determination by repelling an attack by CODECO militiamen against a hospital and a site for displaced people in Drodro, Ituri. Their intervention saved lives and protected vulnerable civilians. Despite the resistance of the attackers, the blue helmets managed to rout them and took charge of the evacuation of the wounded. This action bears witness to the importance of the role of blue helmets in the protection of civilians and the preservation of peace.

The legislative elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have aroused great interest. The Independent Electoral Commission is currently reviewing the many applications submitted, with over 25,000 applications received. This record turnout testifies to citizens’ commitment to democracy. The final decision of the Commission will be announced on August 9, 2023 and will mark a crucial step in the preparation of the legislative elections. In addition to national deputies, provincial and communal elections will also be organized, guaranteeing democratic representation at all levels of government. These elections strengthen the voice of citizens and contribute to the consolidation of democratic institutions in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Hervé Tansia Wa Ntumba, leader and supervisor of young people in the Democratic Republic of Congo, proposes a youth recovery plan entitled “Operation Storm of the Desert”. This plan is based on seven pillars, such as agriculture, juvenile delinquency, youth development and partnership for development. The goal is to build the capacity of young Congolese and create a better future for them. Hervé Tansia’s experience in the field of youth is a major asset for the implementation of this plan.

The explosion of a tank truck in Lemba, in the commune of Kinshasa, caused the death of five people and significant material damage. The incident happened when the truck hit a utility pole, starting a fire. Local authorities and rescue teams intervened quickly to put out the fire and evacuate the victims. This tragedy highlights the risks faced by residents of working-class neighborhoods and underlines the need to strengthen security measures to prevent such accidents in the future. The community of Lemba mourns the loss of innocent lives and hopes that measures will be taken to prevent such tragedies in the future. It is important to support the families of the victims and to rebuild the devastated neighborhood to restore hope and dignity to all those affected by this tragedy.

The locality of Lumalisa in the Democratic Republic of Congo was attacked by jihadists from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) on the night of June 7, 2023. The rebels burned houses, looted property and kidnapped civilians, causing damage material and human. Images of the damage have been broadcast, and voices are raised to condemn the attack orchestrated by the rebels in collaboration with the inhabitants of the territory. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is going through a difficult period due to persistent insecurity in certain regions, precarious economic conditions and the political crisis that has affected the country for several months.

The UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, paid a working visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo to discuss the worrying security and humanitarian situation. He met Prime Minister Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde to discuss the strengthening of State authority, the protection of civilians and the M23 issue. The visit was also an opportunity to highlight the importance of humanitarian aid for the DRC, which is facing an acute humanitarian crisis.

The United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, has announced that the Monusco mission could withdraw from the Democratic Republic of Congo as early as 2024, provided certain conditions are met. He said that “the reduction of the security risk” and “the rise in power of the State” would be essential elements at the start of the mission. However, the deadline for the final departure is still uncertain, depending on the decision of the Security Council. The Congolese government wants a fair and responsible departure from MONUSCO, which will help strengthen long-term security in the country, but it will also require continued work to reduce violence.

This year the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OPDAD) celebrates its 20th anniversary in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. Founded in 2002 by 37 African First Ladies, OPDAD seeks to contribute to the health and well-being of Africans through advocacy, resource mobilization and strategic partnerships. OPDAD launches the “Uniting Campaign for Achieving Gender Equality in Africa” stressing the importance of “Capitalizing on the collective influence of First Ladies to drive bold transformations and build a future where every African ) can flourish”. More than 500 participants, including heads of state and civil society representatives, are expected to attend the four-day event which will start from June 15. OPDAD is determined to contribute effectively to the resolution of economic, social, security and gender inequality issues in Africa.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta met at State House Entebbe to discuss the DR Congo peace process. They assessed the progress made so far and engaged with the leaders of the M23 rebellion. The East African Community is committed to ending violence and instability in the east of the country. This meeting marks a step forward in the search for a lasting peace in the DR Congo.