the citizen's blog
The prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, visiting Bunia, sent a strong message to armed groups in the Democratic Republic of Congo, while the governor of Ituri offered an opportunity for dialogue and disarmament to armed groups in exchange for a non-prosecution. The armed groups operating in the provinces of Ituri and North Kivu are endangering the civilian population and jeopardizing the holding of peaceful elections in 2023.
The article covers current events in the DRC, with an emphasis on the complex situation in the eastern region. The economic and geopolitical stakes there are gigantic, and the complicity of the EAC in the balkanization of this region is highlighted. The Fatshimétrie blog offers articles on the different dimensions of this situation, such as the oil industry, political events and the security situation in the region. By following Fatshimetry articles, it is possible to better understand this important news.
A new terrorist attack took place in the chiefdom of Bashu, in North Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo, causing at least 9 deaths and significant material damage. The Democratic and Allied Forces (ADF) are suspected of being behind this new wave of violence. It is urgent that the army step up its patrols and take preventive measures to put an end to these attacks. The government must also address other issues such as road degradation to better protect vulnerable populations.
Preparations for the ninth Francophone Games, which will take place from July 28 to August 6, 2023 in Kinshasa, have made good progress. According to the Director of the International Committee of the Francophonie Games, Zeina Mina, the work is about 80% complete, testifying to the DRC’s determination to make these games a major event in the French-speaking world. The sites chosen for the event meet the requirements of the OIF. The next few days should make it possible to clarify the progress of the work and confirm the holding of this long-awaited event after two postponements.
Despite the departure of the M23 rebels, conflicts continue in eastern DRC. Militias have proliferated in the region, which has led to an increase in the level of insecurity. Government forces managed to neutralize six ADF jihadist rebels in North Kivu. The economic and social challenges in the DRC remain of concern and a roadmap has been signed by four armed groups to end hostilities. The international community must continue to support the DRC in its efforts to establish peace and security in the country.
The Deputy Prime Minister of Defense and Veterans of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Jean-Pierre Bemba, participated in an extraordinary summit of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (CIRGL) in Luanda, in Angola. The ICGLR is concerned about the tension in eastern DRC. In July, the DRC and Rwanda adopted a roadmap to promote peace and stability in the Great Lakes region, but Rwanda and its M23 proxies are delaying its implementation, thus sabotaging the Luanda and Nairobi. The presence of Jean-Pierre Bemba in Luanda marks an important turning point for the DRC in its efforts to resolve the crisis in the east of the country. Political and administrative authorities call for an end to violence in eastern DRC and Sudan.
On the night of Thursday June 2, 2023, members of the Democratic and Allied forces attacked a village in the Bashu chiefdom in North Kivu, killing at least 9 people and causing extensive damage. Local civil society and the authorities are protesting against the violence perpetrated against civilian populations in this region, which has been affected for several years. This attack seems to be linked to revenge following the destruction of an ADF camp. The safety of the inhabitants has become a major concern in these regions affected by the terrorist threat, which must be effectively combated by the government to guarantee peace and the development of the country.
The documentary “Lumumba, the return of a hero” directed by Benoît Feyt, Dieudo Hamadi and Quentin Noirfalisse retraces the return of the remains of Patrice Lumumba, hero of Congolese independence, assassinated in 1961. The film explores the political celebrations linked to his return but also what remains of Lumumba both in the Congo and in Belgium. The directors also attempted to find out what happened to Lumumba since his assassination, which remains unsolved. The screening will take place on June 8 in Belgium in the presence of the directors.
The mandate of the DRC Sanctions Committee and its Group of Experts will be renewed by the UN Security Council. The Committee is responsible for the arms embargo in the regions of North, South Kivu and Ituri. A meeting will also be held with the countries contributing troops to MINUSMA for the renewal of its expired mandate. Although efforts are being made to ensure security, armed groups continue to sow terror and some denounce a form of forcing in the electoral process. Despite this, there are notable advances, such as the stabilization of the Congolese franc on the official foreign exchange market, while the informal market remains affected. The government has also promised to strengthen local entrepreneurship.
The Coalition “The Congo is not for sale” (CNPAV) held a press conference to demand the publication of five settlement agreements concluded on March 16, in addition to the agreement between the DRC and Ventora Development. These documents are essential to allow the Congolese to benefit from the royalties which are due to them, considers civil society. It is also asking for the renegotiation of this agreement, which authorizes Dan Gertler, an affiliate of Ventora, to continue to collect royalties in three large copper-cobalt projects. The CNPAV also calls for transparency and the application of the Mining Code, as well as a clarification of positions with Ventora.
