Category: International

The security situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continues to deteriorate despite the lack of confrontation between the army and the armed forces of the M23 rebellion. The M23 continues to sow insecurity which has caused the death of at least 47 civilians in North Kivu in recent times, according to the Under-Secretary-General for Africa, Martha Pobee, before the Security Council. Several provinces have had around 6.3 million people displaced since March 2022. The security situation remains worrying and requires urgent measures to ensure the safety of the affected populations.

The Democratic Republic of Congo is facing an upsurge in infectious diseases, including cholera and measles, as well as an increase in the number of internally displaced people following flooding. The WHO has reported more than 17,000 cholera cases and 148 deaths in North Kivu province, as well as the presence of 82% of measles cases in this region. Health needs are glaring, but only 13% of the 174 million dollars needed have been mobilized. It is therefore imperative that the partners remain mobilized to help the Congolese affected by this complex humanitarian situation.

This article discusses the worrying situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where armed groups like the FDLR and M23 continue to stir up trouble despite repeated calls from UN and US experts for cooperation with these groups ceases. Evidence of Kigali’s support for M23 has been confirmed by UN experts, while the regional force EACRF is struggling to cope with the situation on the ground. In this context, diplomatic initiative is encouraged for a lasting eradication of armed groups and to address the root causes of the conflict in eastern DRC.

The eleventh Pan-African Music Festival (Fespam), to be held in Brazzaville from July 15-22, will celebrate Congolese rumba as an intangible heritage of humanity, according to UNESCO. Researchers believe that Congolese rumba should be promoted, to bring the energy of young people from urban music to rumba. Fespam should also make it possible to promote Congolese culture on a pan-African scale.

During their 60th ordinary plenary assembly in Lubumbashi, the Congolese Catholic bishops of CENCO raised the issue of security in the DRC. They expressed concern over the resurgence of the M23 rebel movement, the Mobondo militia in the western part of the country as well as the UDPS Special Brigade. The bishops also addressed other topics related to the socio-pastoral situation of the country and welcomed the development initiatives of President Félix Tshisekedi while highlighting the major challenges of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

President Félix Tshisekedi went on tour in the Kasaï region, notably inaugurating an anti-erosion project financed by the World Bank. He also visited infrastructures under construction, such as the University of Kananga and laid the foundation stone of a new city in Mbuji-Mayi. This tour is part of its policy of modernization and development of the country’s infrastructure. Other events, such as the electoral process and the Francophonie games, also mark the news in the DRC.

The province of Mai-Ndombe in the Democratic Republic of Congo is plagued by a clash between the Teke and Yaka communities. The conflicts have given rise to the phenomenon called “Mobondo”, where armed young people threaten the security of the population. Twelve people were sentenced to death for terrorism by the Bandundu-Bagata-Mai Ndombe garrison military court. The Catholic Church and the Congolese authorities put forward different hypotheses as to the causes of the conflict. Despite the extension of insecurity in the commune of Maluku and the outskirts of Kinshasa, initiatives such as the “Festiras 2022” festival could contribute to the search for peace and societal cohesion in the DRC.

In the DRC, the 2022-2023 state exam has started with the participation of more than one million students in more than 8,000 exam centers. In some places, displaced students receive full payment of examination fees. The Minister of EPST, Tony Mwaba, has launched the state examination tests in Mbuji-Mayi, in Kasaï-Oriental. This year, the event takes place against a backdrop of growing tension in view of the general elections. Despite the difficulties, the government and heads of establishments seek to guarantee equitable access to the examination for all candidates.

The Minister of Primary, Secondary and Technical Education, Tony Mwaba Kazadi, is on tour in the different provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo. In Mbuji-Mayi, he launched the State Examination, Edition 2023, at the Mazarero Professional Technical Institute. The exam is of paramount importance for the future of Congolese students. The choice of Mbuji-Mayi for the launch of the State Examination is strategic, because Minister Mwaba wishes to meet students and teachers from different provinces. In addition, some articles published on Fatshimetry’s blog illustrate the armed conflicts, humanitarian crises and electoral issues facing the DRC.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) has called voters for the next legislative elections scheduled for December. The CENI President reassured stakeholders about the integrity of the vote and highlighted the innovations introduced to respond to criticism of past elections. The BRTCs will receive candidates’ files for 20 days, allowing the constitution of the electoral register and the election of governors and senators. However, the security situation is deteriorating, with deadly clashes between FARDC and Twa militiamen, as well as growing insecurity in Butembo. The country is also facing socio-economic challenges and must find solutions to ensure a more stable, more prosperous and more serene future for all Congolese.