the citizen's blog
The DRC recently succeeded in disarming and arresting 12 Mai-Mai militiamen, who had committed abuses against civilians. These militiamen were handed over to the Disarmament, Demobilization, Community Recovery and Stabilization Program, created by the Congolese government. This action is an important step towards the stabilization of the DRC and the protection of the population, even if the road is still long to achieve lasting peace in this region in conflict.
The article discusses President Tshisekedi’s state visit to China and the need for win-win cooperation for the DRC in terms of natural resource development and specific projects. Emphasis was placed on decision-making and local initiatives to create wealth and employment. Although legal instruments have been signed, the purpose of the government mission to China was to revive bilateral cooperation. Sino-Congolese cooperation seems to be on the right track, but there is still a lot of work to be done to stabilize the country and ensure its sustainable economic development, in particular through creative and innovative local initiatives.
Niger is facing a critical situation as ECOWAS threatens military intervention if the junta does not restore constitutional order. Diplomatic negotiations took place, but General Tchiani and President Bazoum did not meet. The chiefs of staff of ECOWAS member countries have met to prepare for a possible military mission, with Nigeria, Ivory Coast and Senegal ready to send troops. The juntas of Mali and Burkina Faso support the Nigerien junta and warn of possible complications. Chad and Algeria favor dialogue rather than military intervention. The pressures are focused on the President of Nigeria, who is a key player in this situation, but many players are calling for diplomacy to be preferred. The consequences of a military intervention are worrying for the countries bordering Niger. The ultimatum is coming to an end and the tension remains palpable in the region.
The Eastern and Southern Africa Drug Control Commission is meeting in Mauritius to discuss heroin trafficking from Afghanistan. This meeting is a response to the increase in traffic in the Indian Ocean region, with serious consequences in Seychelles and Mauritius. Madagascar has also become a drug hub. The Commission, made up of former African presidents and renowned experts, will develop a strategy to combat this scourge. The meeting underlines the importance of this issue and the need for concerted action to protect the region against drug trafficking.
This article highlights the importance of Sino-African cooperation for the People’s Republic of China and how this cooperation has benefited the Democratic Republic of Congo through Sino-Congolaise des mines (SICOMINES S.A.). SICOMINES S.A. has worked on infrastructure projects throughout the country, involving key sectors such as public works and civil engineering. China-Africa cooperation is based on the “win-win” principle and is welcomed by representatives of major international organizations. By way of conclusion, the article encourages Africa to adopt this model of economic collaboration for sustainable and responsible development.
The FARDC arrested 109 Mobondo militiamen for crimes such as looting and terrorism in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The army reopened traffic on the Congo River and arrested the militiamen who committed the murders, but also 12 soldiers, including 4 senior officers, for slipping. This operation restored peace in a region that had suffered numerous recent attacks, but it also highlighted the shortcomings of the security system within the DRC.
The Uvira garrison military court sentenced six soldiers to the maximum life sentence and another to 20 years in prison for various offenses including rape, murder, mutilation of corpses and extortion. This decision reinforces the message of the army which wishes to impose severe sanctions against uncivil soldiers. However, this case could revive the debate on military impunity in the country. The Democratic Republic of Congo is currently at a turning point in its history with many events shaking the country.
The situation in North Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo is causing concern for the international community. Troops from the Economic Community for the Development of Southern Africa (SADC) are expected to be deployed, which could provoke a confrontation with the Community of East African States (EAC). The M23 is preparing a possible attack on the city of Goma. The December 2023 elections, political and economic issues and the need for a comprehensive reform of the transport sector are also major issues for the country. The international community is multiplying cooperation agreements, but local initiatives are also necessary to improve the situation of the populations.
The Secretary General of the UDPS/Tshisekedi, Augustin Kabuya, paid a visit to Europe in May 2023. During this visit, he had many exchanges with representatives of different federations and young people from the party “Autre vision du congo”. He also met Ms Benedicta Lasi, Secretary General of the Socialist International. SG Augustin Kabuya visited UDPS communities in France, Belgium and Luxembourg, and also brought a message of support to the Federal President hospitalized in France. This visit enabled the party to strengthen its ties with its European allies and to discuss the prospects of the Social International.
The Turkish company Milvest will soon be in charge of the rehabilitation works of the International Fair of Kinshasa (FIKIN) in order to improve the experience of visitors, according to Kabampele Ngabul Didier, Director of FIKIN. The details of this agreement will be revealed in the near future. FIKIN is an unmissable commercial event in Central Africa. Fatshimètre’s blog also covers other news from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, such as the taxi and bus drivers’ strike, the country’s economic development, accusations against political figures and the tragic floods in the South- Kivu.