Category: International

Ituri Governor Johnny Luboya N’Kashama issued a clear warning to armed groups in his region during the visit of International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor Karim Khan. He recalled that impunity and human rights violations would no longer be tolerated and that the perpetrators of these acts would have to answer for their crimes before the courts. The governor offered the possibility to armed groups to choose the path of dialogue and adherence to the program of disarmament, demobilization, community recovery and stabilization (P-DDRCS).

The Beni region in the DRC was once again the scene of a bloody attack attributed to suspected ADF fighters. On the night of Thursday June 1, at least nine people were killed with machetes and several others injured. The inhabitants deplore the growing insecurity in the region and implore the government to take the necessary measures to protect the civilian population.

The Congo Not for Sale (CNPAV) coalition has denounced the opacity surrounding the process of selecting operators for oil blocks in the Democratic Republic of Congo. She noted four irregularities, including the awarding of oil blocks to companies without technical and financial experience. The CNPAV calls on the government to promote transparency and accountability in all decisions related to the exploitation of the country’s natural resources. The DRC has already been ordered to pay more than 6417 million USD for procedural errors in the past.

During the consultative meeting of the Interministerial Committee of the ICGLR in Luanda, the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Regional Integration presented the security situation in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Experts stressed the need to respect the ceasefire between the warring parties and to reinvigorate P-DDRCS. In addition, the humanitarian situation is worrying with the massive displacement of the population. It is essential to maintain efforts to stabilize the regions plagued by violence and respond effectively to the humanitarian crisis.

This article sheds light on the worrying situation in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, where terrorist attacks are increasing and the non-respect of the ceasefire by the Congolese armed forces is noted. The humanitarian issue is also worrying there, with the massive displacement of the population. Government experts discussed this situation with the Deputy Prime Minister of Defense and the Minister of State in charge of Regional Cooperation, and recommended measures for the protection of civilians and access to humanitarian relief. In a difficult context, the international community, citizen movements, entrepreneurs and governors must play an essential role in promoting peace and development in the DRC.

The 10th Extraordinary Summit of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) was held in Luanda, Angola to discuss the political and security situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Representatives of the DRC called for measures to avoid military reinforcement aimed at reviving hostilities and a reopening of roads to facilitate the return of displaced persons and refugees. The implementation of the SADC decision to support the DRC in its efforts to restore peace and security was also discussed. The Heads of State and Government present will have to adopt the final communiqué the following day.

The Kinshasa International Fair rehabilitation project (Fikin) is on hold following a disagreement between the Milvet company and the Congolese management committee. The Turkish company requires a 6-hectare camp on the site for a period of 10 years in addition to renting space for $60,000 per month. The work, which provided for the construction of a shopping center, a conference center, an amusement park, a banquet hall, a hotel and a 20,000-seat arena, has thus been suspended for an indefinite period.

Salomon Idi Kalonda, private adviser to opponent Moïse Katumbi and son of Maniema province, was arrested at N’djili International Airport for carrying a firearm. Senator Augustin Matata Ponyo of the LGD political party demands the immediate release of Salomon Idi Kalonda and denounces an unfounded arrest. Since Maniema is a region targeted by the authorities, it is difficult to distinguish fact from fiction in this case. In these troubled times in the DRC, it is necessary to work to stabilize the areas plagued by violence and to ensure security for all citizens.

The European Union has imposed sanctions against nationals of the DRC, Rwanda and Tanzania for human rights violations. The sanctions are welcomed by Human Rights Watch, but the organization calls for stricter measures and special attention for certain officials. The sanctions mainly target commanders and leaders of armed groups responsible for abuses in the provinces of North Kivu, South Kivu and Ituri. However, the sanctions are only a first step and it is important to continue efforts to ensure justice and the protection of human rights in the eastern region of DR Congo.

The embassies of several countries and the Delegation of the European Union in the DRC issued a joint statement to confirm their commitment to the electoral process scheduled for December 2023. The embassies called for the promotion of inclusion rather than division and to condemn the dissemination of hate speech. Respect for fundamental democratic rights and equal opportunities are also emphasised. The joint declaration is a support to the Congolese for the success of this electoral process.