Le Parrain, a foundation supporting young entrepreneurship in the Democratic Republic of Congo, organized its 2nd fair for young Congolese entrepreneurs. The event saw the participation of the Vice-Governor of the province of Haut-Katanga and the winners of the previous year. The ceremony was followed by pitches presenting 5 projects selected to obtain funding and adequate support. The Foundation presented a check for $10,000 to each to help them start their projects. The Foundation aims to incubate the various projects that highlight young Congolese entrepreneurs and demonstrate the commitment of local actors to economic development and the employability of young people in the DRC.
Category: International
The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) succeeded in killing six jihadists of the Democratic and Allied Forces (ADF) and dismantled one of their strongholds while recovering three AK-47 type weapons, during a battle in the Rwenzori sector in Beni territory. This region is the scene of massacres attributed to ADF/MTN militiamen, who carried out several deadly attacks against the civilian population. This new battle is part of a vast operation called “Sukola 2”, launched by the Congolese army to put an end to armed attacks in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The village of Kanyamutsitsa, in North Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo, was attacked by the Democratic and Allied forces (ADF), causing at least nine civilian deaths and the disappearance of several people. Security is a major challenge in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where the ADF continue to sow terror despite the efforts of the army and the international community. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is also facing other issues like food security, political crisis, justice and the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. It is important to make the safety of populations a top priority and to work together to face these challenges.
The Democratic Republic of Congo is due to hold elections at the end of 2023 and this is causing growing concern internationally. In a joint statement, fifteen partner countries reaffirmed their support for democracy and stressed the importance of freedom of expression, of the press, of assembly and of movement to enable free and fair elections. Opponents are mobilizing for the elections to be organized within the current constitutional deadline, but they face political obstacles and restrictions on freedom. The international community continues to closely follow developments in the DRC.
In the province of Ituri in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the various communities have expressed their wish that the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) remain in the region until peace be restored. During an exchange with the head of MONUSCO, Bintou Keita, the representatives of the communities made the withdrawal of the mission conditional on the establishment of a plan to protect the population and the restoration of the authority of the State in areas occupied by armed groups. This request highlights the importance of MONUSCO’s role in maintaining security and stability in Ituri.
At least nine people were killed in an attack by suspected ADF fighters in Museya, Beni province. Witnesses said the victims were killed in their homes and plots. This attack follows other attacks in the area, causing many people to flee their homes. Local authorities are calling for increased security in the area. The international community is called upon to act to support lasting peace in the Beni region.
Professor Lobo Kanza-Kanza died on May 27, 2023 in Kinshasa. His funeral will take place on June 2, 2023 at the family home, followed by a wake and the next day with academic tributes, testimonies and burial at Kimberley Memorial Park cemetery. Despite the mourning, the DRC and the international community continue to follow the political, security, economic and social progress of the country while noting the challenges to be met for its development. There are significant advances in the security of eastern DRC thanks to the extraordinary summit of the East African community and the ultimatum of the deputies and senators of Together for the Republic shows hope that positive changes can still be achieved.
Rehabilitation work at the Kinshasa International Fair (Fikin) was stopped due to disputes between the Turkish company Milvet and the management committee of Fikin. The Turkish subcontractor demanded an area of ​​six hectares to build it and enjoy it for ten years, which created complications. However, work had already begun, including the backfilling of the site and the eviction of the occupants of the premises. Congolese workers at Milvet, meanwhile, have been paying a heavy price since the start of the year, with up to eight months of unpaid wages.
The rehabilitation works of the International Fair of Kinshasa (Fikin) have been stopped due to differences between the Turkish company Milvet and the management of Fikin. The construction company had wanted to have an area of ​​6 hectares for 10 years, which was considered too elastic by the managers of the Fair. Despite this, Milvet had started the rehabilitation by moving the occupants and drinking establishments, as well as backfilling the land. However, the work stoppage could harm the attraction of foreign tourists to this tourist structure.
The Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State of the East African Community (EAC) decided to relocate M-23/RDF fighters from Mount Sabyinyo to the Rumangabo military camp in North Kivu province . This decision has raised concerns about the safety of the region, in particular that of the inhabitants of the Bwito chiefdom, who complain of an increased risk of danger. The population of this region, regularly affected by unrest caused by the rebels, hopes that the authorities will take the necessary measures to guarantee their safety.