The ICGLR Inter-Ministerial Committee Consultative Summit was held in Luanda to discuss the agenda for the upcoming summit and the political and security situation in eastern DRC. The Congolese ministers called for ensuring the security and return of displaced populations in conflict areas, as well as facilitating the movement of humanitarian workers. The final communiqué will be adopted the following day by the Heads of State of the region. Peace, security and development are priorities for the ICGLR.
Category: International
This article relates the worrying security situation in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo despite the actions undertaken by sub-regional organizations and the presence of regional forces. The M23 armed group remains active in the region. The Congolese authorities asked the SADC to put an end to this conflict and validated the sending of troops. Regional forces have been present since 2022, but have failed to eradicate the rebellion. An extension of their mission has been decided until September 2021.
The youth recovery plan in the Democratic Republic of Congo, entitled “Operation Desert Storm”, aims to address the challenges faced by Congolese youth. This plan is based on 7 major axes, including agriculture, juvenile delinquency, youth participation, promotion of culture and citizenship, gender equality, partnership for development, and institutional capacity building. . Hervé Tansia, the designer of this plan, is convinced that it can bring real positive results for the future of Congolese youth.
The rehabilitation of the International Fair of Kinshasa (Fikin) is on hold because of disagreements between the managers of Fikin and the Turkish company Milvet. Milvet is demanding a 6-hectare camp for 10 years in exchange for $60,000 a month’s rent, and has offered to buy the space back in case the work takes longer than expected. The rehabilitation project includes the construction of an exhibition center, an amusement park, a shopping center, a conference center, a hotel and a 20,000-seat multifunctional arena seated. The development of the Fikin is important to stimulate the tourist attractiveness of Kinshasa and to attract local and international investors. It is important that the parties find common ground so that the work can continue.
The EAC organized an extraordinary summit to discuss the situation in DR Congo. The heads of state hailed President Tshisekedi’s efforts to restore peace in the region and extended the status of forces agreement for six months. The meeting also condemned the ceasefire violations and called for the defense of the liberated areas. The summit asked countries to resolve the issue of negative forces and refused Rwanda’s participation in a verification team in Rumangabo. There is a need for a broader political process to reduce tensions in the region.
Local armed groups in Ituri signed a historic memorandum of understanding in the capital of Aru territory on June 1, 2023. This agreement concerns the cessation of violence against civilians, the free movement of people and their goods, the facilitation of the return of displaced persons and the cessation of circulation with weapons or military indices, among other measures. Although this agreement is an important step towards peace and stability in Ituri, some people are concerned about the method and insist on the need to force these militiamen to lay down their arms. Concrete actions are necessary to guarantee the safety and protection of the population.
The Jeux de la Francophonie in Kinshasa attract the attention of Uganda, although the country is not a member of the OIF. With an ever-growing francophone population, education plays a key role in promoting the French language in Uganda. In addition, French companies are investing in the country, thus strengthening economic development. Geopolitically, Uganda occupies a central position, offering political and economic opportunities. By capitalizing on its proximity to La Francophonie and strengthening its regional cooperation, Uganda could play a key role in regional development in East Africa.
A delegation of Belgian parliamentarians met with the Congolese President, Félix Tshisekedi, to discuss cooperation between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Belgium as well as the aggression of the country by Rwanda via the M23. The parliamentarians also reassured the Head of State on the involvement of the EU in the dossier. The delegation also met with the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), reiterating the importance of consolidating democracy in the DRC and offering the financial and logistical support of the Belgian Parliament. Citizens’ movements have called for the bill on the distribution of seats to be suspended due to the organization of the elections and the worrying situation in certain areas of the country, in particular the terrorist attack in Beni.
On June 3, 2023 in India, a terrible train accident involving 3 trains caused the death of at least 288 people and left 850 injured. This is one of the worst rail accidents the country has experienced in recent years. The authorities mobilized the army to come to the aid of the victims. Harrowing images of overturned wagons and tireless rescuers were relayed by AFP. This disaster is a reminder of the importance of safety on the rails and the modernization of technologies used by passenger trains.
In eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the UPDF explosive ordnance disposal team is working tirelessly to clear unexploded ordnance in Mabenga, an area marked by clashes between M23 rebels and the FARDC. Thanks to the efforts of the UPDF, peace and security are gradually returning, allowing civilians to resume their agricultural activities. UPDF soldiers managed to safely dispose of 18 pieces of ordinances, but more work needs to be done to completely clear the abandoned explosives. The people of Mabenga recognize the importance of the UPDF intervention to ensure their safety and call for continued action in the area.