Category: International

Imam Paluku Sadala Yusufu, a respected figure in the Halungupa village mosque, in the Ruwenzori sector in North Kivu, has been missing since July 30, 2023. The authorities and Congolese civil society are on alert and have launched a mobilization to find the imam. His safety has become a top priority. The inhabitants of the village and the faithful of the mosque hope for reassuring news as soon as possible. The situation is worrying and solidarity support is provided to the community of Halungupa.

The General Inspectorate of Finance (IGF) visited Mbuji-Mayi, in Province Orientale, as part of its mission to guarantee financial transparency in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This visit, led by Victor Batubenga Pandamadi, aimed to assess the progress of the program of 145 territories, a priority of President Felix-Antoine Tshisekedi. The delegation met with Attorney General Maurice Kama with the aim of resolving the constraints encountered on the ground and effectively implementing this ambitious program. This initiative demonstrates the Congolese government’s commitment to fighting corruption and ensuring responsible management of public resources.

Fighting between the Congolese armed forces (FARDC) and ADF rebels in the Beni region of the DRC continues to wreak havoc. Following the neutralization of two rebel leaders, clashes escalated, with the death toll still unknown. The security situation remains worrying and requires pacification and development measures. It is essential that the Congolese government and the international community work together to stabilize the region and protect civilian populations. A comprehensive and coordinated approach is needed to end the violence and foster lasting peace in this part of the country.

Cardinal Luis António Tagle will soon travel to the DRC in the city of Goma to express the compassion of Pope Francis towards the victims of the war and the eruption of the Nyiragongo volcano. This important visit had been postponed due to security concerns. Despite the threats of insecurity, the government and the security forces have taken the necessary measures to ensure the tranquility of this symbolic visit which will bring some hope to the inhabitants of Goma in these uncertain times.

In a context marked by the ADF-NALU terrorist attacks in the Beni region, Dr. Mukwege’s Panzi Foundation is mobilizing to help displaced people. With the distribution of food and hygiene kits, the foundation works with the victims to offer them vital support. More than 1,000 families have thus benefited from this concrete assistance in areas particularly affected by the violence. Beneficiaries express their gratitude to the Panzi Foundation and call for peace to return to normal life. This humanitarian action is part of the initiatives carried out by the Panzi Foundation to restore dignity and hope to victims of violence in the DRC. This commitment recalls the importance of solidarity and compassion to support populations in distress.

Despite the fire that destroyed the CENI warehouse in Bukavu, the Independent National Electoral Commission says it will not impact the electoral calendar in South Kivu province. The CENI, however, calls for an investigation to determine the causes of the fire. Although this news is reassuring about the holding of the elections, it is crucial to invest in security measures to avoid such incidents in the future. In addition, it is important to repair or replace damaged voting machines to ensure free and fair elections. Maintaining the electoral calendar in South Kivu province underscores the need to learn from this incident and take steps to prevent such problems in the future.

The absence of the Secretary General of the OIF at the IX Games of La Francophonie in Kinshasa raises questions about the political tensions between the DRC and Rwanda. This decision also resulted in the non-participation of Rwandan athletes and artists. Despite this, the games remain an opportunity to highlight Francophone diversity and excellence. The infrastructures are ready and the participants will have the opportunity to show their talent both in sport and in culture. This event is a showcase for the Francophonie and will help promote Francophone culture around the world.

The International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) urges the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to accelerate the implementation of the Disarmament, Demobilization and Community Reintegration and Stabilization Program (P-DDRCS). This instruction emerged from the 10th extraordinary summit held on June 2, 2023 in Luanda under the aegis of Angolan President Joao Manuel Lourenço. The worrying security situation in eastern DRC is an obstacle to the holding of general elections scheduled for December 2023. The Congolese government has however promised to do everything possible to restore security in eastern DRC in order to allow populations of this region to register and participate actively in the elections.

The “Mobondo” militia continues to sow terror in the western part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. This armed group is responsible for targeted attacks against innocent civilian populations, with the participation of malevolent political figures. The government has taken steps to strengthen security, but this highlights the urgency of reforming security institutions in the DRC. The international community and all stakeholders must get involved in resolving this crisis, investing in sustainable development programs, launching a process of dialogue between the Teke and Yaka communities, and putting in place effective public policies. to fight insecurity.