Category: International

The province of Kwango in the Democratic Republic of Congo is plagued by violence committed by the Mobondo militia, which has forcibly recruited young people to subject them to its control. The villagers are terrorized and the civilian population is displaced en masse. The provincial government calls on the national police and armed forces to strengthen the security of the region. The situation is worrying and requires rapid intervention to protect local populations.

This article talks about the deficit of about 4 million housing units in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the measures taken by the president to respond to this problem. Three public establishments have been created to build decent and affordable housing, collect the necessary funds and regulate the housing sector. This is an important step to provide access to decent and affordable housing, but it requires an effective mobilization of all the actors concerned because the construction of 265,000 housing units per year will not be an easy task.

The summit of Heads of State of the East African Community (EAC) has been held in Nairobi to discuss the continuing violence in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The leaders hailed President Felix Antoine Tshisekedi’s commitment to restoring peace to the region and called on the East African Regional Force to take further steps to stop ceasefire violations. The EAC also recommended that the East African Regional Force guard and maintain areas liberated by armed groups, oversee the withdrawal of armed groups from remaining areas and protect civilians. Finally, the Heads of State asked the DRC and South Sudan to engage in discussions to resolve the issue of negative forces on their common border.

The President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Félix Tshisekedi, participated in the 10th ICGLR conference in Luanda, Angola, which focused on the security situation in the DRC. The Heads of State worked behind closed doors to produce a final communiqué, while the Angolan President announced an upcoming quadripartite meeting including the EAC, ICGLR and ECCAS. During this conference, the problems in Khartoum in Sudan were also discussed. Tshisekedi’s participation attests to his determination to find a rapid solution to the security situation in the DRC and to work with neighboring countries to guarantee peace and stability in the sub-region.

The security situation in the Great Lakes region of Africa, particularly in the DRC and Sudan, is of concern to regional and international organizations, which are calling for regional and international action to resolve this humanitarian crisis. Despite diplomatic and military initiatives to establish peace, armed groups persist in eastern DRC. The recent arrest of a human rights defender raises the question of the protection of human rights in the country. It is therefore important that citizens are mobilized to ensure fair and equitable elections, and that armed groups are held accountable for their actions to stabilize and develop the region.

A delegation of six German MPs went to the Democratic Republic of Congo with the aim of improving relations between the two countries and supporting certain projects in the DRC. The aggression by Rwanda via the M23 rebels was condemned and the relations between the two countries were highlighted. The security situation in eastern DRC remains precarious despite ongoing efforts. The arrest of Salomon Idi Kalonda Della has also called into question respect for human rights in the country. However, efforts to revitalize the economy are underway, notably through the rehabilitation of the Kinshasa-Matadi railway. The DRC faces several challenges, including disputed elections and the crackdown on protests, as well as the fight against armed groups in the Ituri region.

The Congolese government has granted Primera Gold exclusive rights to export all artisanal gold, coltan and tin ores from the eastern provinces of the Congo, to put an end to fraud and mining smuggling. However, the government must publish the list of all the beneficial owners of Primera Gold and Primera Metals, because the advantages granted to these companies create opacity around their beneficial ownership. The Congo N’est Pas à Vendre coalition is also urging the government to clarify the huge tax breaks given to these companies and end the 25-year-old export monopoly. The next government announcements on this subject are eagerly awaited.

The Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the East African Community (EAC) pledged to support President Felix Tshisekedi’s efforts to restore peace in eastern DRC. A Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) has been extended for six months, aimed at consolidating the victories achieved by the East African Regional Force. Leaders condemned ceasefire violations and called for the protection of civilians and the return of internally displaced persons. Peace in eastern DRC remains a major challenge and requires constant vigilance and unified action.

The Democratic Republic of Congo is experiencing a change of leadership within the Régie des Voies Aériennes (RVA). Alphonse Shungu Mahungu remains the Managing Director, assisted by Mayaya Kawaasa as Deputy Managing Director. Tryphon Kin-Kiey Mulumba becomes the new Chairman of the Board of Directors. The outgoing team was thanked for its achievements, such as the modernization of airport infrastructure and air navigation equipment. The new Chairman of the Board of Directors undertakes to support the Chief Executive Officer and to promote good collaboration within the Board of Directors. This change in leadership marks a new milestone for the RVA, which continues to provide security and air navigation in the country.