Category: International

The United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping in the Great Lakes, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, has proposed the creation of a Truth, Reconciliation and Reparation Commission for the victims of wars and atrocities committed in the province of Ituri. This commission would make it possible to fight against conflicts, hatred and community resentment, as well as to demand justice for the victims. It will be implemented jointly by the Congolese government and the United Nations. This initiative represents a glimmer of hope for the victims of the atrocities in the province of Ituri.

The Governor of Ituri hailed the work of MONUSCO blue helmets for their crucial support to the FARDC in the province of Ituri. Despite their work, security in the DRC remains unstable with rebel attacks and disputed elections. The government has taken initiatives to fight soil erosion and invest in energy and infrastructure, but the opposition is calling for action by the international community due to the deterioration of the economic and social situation in the DRC and of the impending humanitarian crisis.

In this article excerpt, we report a new arrest in the case of cocaine trafficking in Côte d’Ivoire. Bartolo Bruzzaniti, an Italian man considered to be one of the main conductors of this criminal network, has reportedly been arrested in Lebanon. He is the co-owner of several pizzerias in Abidjan and is said to have managed to evade the Ivorian police after the seizure of two tons of cocaine in April 2022. This arrest confirms the predominant role of Côte d’Ivoire as a trafficking hub of cocaine. The Ivorian authorities, in collaboration with Interpol and the DEA, are carrying out an in-depth investigation to dismantle these criminal networks. This case is also linked to another cocaine trafficking case known as the “Spaghetti Connection”. Despite the arrests, the trial of this extraordinary case is long overdue. The authorities are committed to continuing this fight to ensure the security and stability of the country.

Niger is facing economic sanctions from ECOWAS following the recent coup. The cut in electricity supply from Nigeria will have a significant impact on the Nigerien economy, particularly in the industry, commerce and service sectors. These sanctions could also lead to a suspension of economic partnerships with other countries in the region. However, their effectiveness in rolling back the ruling junta remains uncertain. It is necessary to find a peaceful and political solution to resolve the crisis while preserving the interests of the people of Niger.

In this article excerpt, we learn that the Secretary General of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF), Louise Mushikiwabo, will not be present at the Games of La Francophonie which were to take place in Kinshasa, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This absence is due to political tensions between the DRC and Rwanda, which have led to abysmal relations between the two countries. Although the OIF has assured that the event will take place as normal, this situation highlights the importance of diplomatic relations and respect for official protocols in the organization of international events.

The new youth recovery plan in the Democratic Republic of Congo aims to enable young Congolese to contribute to the development of the country. This plan is based on 7 strategic axes, including agriculture, prevention of juvenile delinquency, local development, culture and citizenship, empowerment of women, partnership for development and institutional capacity building. The plan offers an ambitious vision for the future of the country by empowering youth to become key players in socio-economic progress. It is essential to support these initiatives to enable young Congolese to build a better future.

In some areas of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the presence of armed militias is a major concern for the civilian population. A militia leader by the name of “General Cobra” is active in the Kwamouth area, raising concerns for the safety of residents. Local civil society is calling on the Congolese state to intervene to guarantee peace and security in the region. The militia leader recently took members of the Red Cross hostage and demanded a ransom. This complex situation highlights the need for concrete actions on the part of the State to restore stability and protect civilian populations. Civil society and humanitarian actors will continue to raise awareness and mobilize for peace, but they need state support for real pacification.

Minister of State Me Guy Loando Mboyo accompanies the Prime Minister to Ankara to represent President Tshisekedi at the inauguration ceremony of Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the new Turkish President. This mission highlights the importance of relations between the DRC and Turkey, as well as President Tshisekedi’s determination to strengthen international partnerships. President Tshisekedi is continuing overseas visits to boost Sino-Congolese cooperation and strengthen strategic partnerships with Turkey. All this, with the aim of guaranteeing the economic future of the country and reducing conflicts in the region.

The article highlights the importance of adequate combat clothing for the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC). Major General Kipongo presented a new outfit during a press conference, with the aim of clearly distinguishing the soldiers in operation. This new uniform, which differs according to the forces, reinforces the professional image of the soldiers and their ability to respond to security challenges. This is an important step in improving the equipment of the FARDC and demonstrates their commitment to the security of the country.