During a meeting between the mayor of Butembo and the national coordinator of the NGO “Colibri RDC”, the prison conditions of the tenants of the Kakwangura central prison, in particular women prisoners, were discussed. The NGO raised issues related to septic tanks and the rehabilitation of female prisoners’ cells. Prisons in the DRC are often overcrowded and dilapidated, leading to human rights violations. The authorities must take measures to improve the conditions of detention and the NGOs need their support. The meeting between the mayor and the coordinator is a step in the right direction to solve this problem.
Category: Legal
The smuggling of gold in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is a major issue that raises the concern of actors in the mining sector. About 80% of the gold produced in the territories of Djugu and Mambasa escapes the control of the Congolese state and is exported illegally to other countries. This situation leads to significant economic losses for the province of Ituri and fuels the financing of local armed groups. Experts are calling for increased military pressure on these groups and for effective measures to be put in place to combat this smuggling. A meeting recently brought together various actors to propose recommendations aimed at improving the management of mining resources and strengthening control of the gold extracted in the region. There is an urgent need to put an end to this illegal practice so that the Congolese State can fully benefit from the revenues generated by gold. Strict regulation and good governance are essential to ensure responsible and equitable exploitation of the DRC’s natural resources.
In a surprising twist, Godé Mpoy, ousted president of the Kinshasa provincial assembly (APK), was rehabilitated by a judgment of the Kinshasa/Gombe Court of Appeal. However, this decision raises many questions among elected officials in Kinshasa, who question the motivations of Godé Mpoy and question the legitimacy of his rehabilitation. This article explores the issues surrounding this case and offers an in-depth analysis of the situation. After his dismissal, Godé Mpoy was sentenced to 45 days of intellectual rest, but requested the records of the provincial assembly from the interim president of the APK. The judgment of the Kinshasa/Gombe Court of Appeal was not officially notified to the APK office, calling into question the validity of the pardon. APK elected officials demand concrete evidence before recognizing Mpoy’s return to his post, and in the meantime Francis Tshibalabala continues to assume the interim. The Godé Mpoy saga is far from over and the outcome of this affair remains uncertain.
The former acting president of the UDPS and first vice-president of the national assembly obtained his provisional release after spending some time in detention. This news is a positive sign in a turbulent political context where many opponents are imprisoned. However, he will still have to answer to the charges against him and will have to face the ongoing legal proceedings. His release opens the door to new perspectives for him, allowing him to participate in political debate and defend his ideas. This provisional release also offers a semblance of hope for those fighting for democracy in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
A major fire broke out in the CENI warehouse, causing the destruction of numerous electronic voting devices and other electoral materials. The CENI immediately launched an investigation to determine the causes of the incident and possible responsibilities. Despite this incident, the preparations for the elections are continuing and the opening of the offices for the reception of candidatures is not delayed. The authorities and security forces are mobilized to ensure the security of the facilities and guarantee the smooth running of the electoral process.
The new provincial police commissioner of Kongo-Central, Israel Kantu Bakulu, took office in Matadi with the desire to put an end to the growing insecurity in the city. He announced the holding of a general parade on July 31, during which he will present the measures and strategies he intends to put in place to fight against crime. Kongo-Central is currently facing major problems such as the presence of youth gangs and attacks by highway robbers. Commissioner Bakulu, who has significant crime-fighting experience, aims to restore peace and security in Matadi, working with law enforcement and the local population. The appointment of this new commissioner opens up new prospects for the inhabitants, who can finally hope for a safer and more serene future.
A memorandum of understanding has been signed between the CNSS and the ONT in the DRC to settle the late payment of contributions. This agreement provides for payment in five monthly instalments, thus allowing the ONT to regularize its situation with the CNSS. This initiative aims to support ONT retirees who have been waiting for years to receive their rights and pensions. This agreement represents a significant step forward for Congolese retirees and demonstrates the authorities’ commitment to guaranteeing workers’ rights.
Illegal mining and gold export fraud continue to rock Ituri province in the Democratic Republic of Congo. According to local sources, about 80% of the gold produced in the territories of Djugu and Mambasa escapes the control of the Congolese state and is exported fraudulently to other countries. This illegal activity fuels armed groups and leads to significant financial losses for the region. Experts and local notables are calling for more sustained government action to end this practice and strengthen gold governance. Concrete measures must be taken to punish offenders and demilitarize mine sites.
The CNSS and the ONT have signed an agreement to settle the late payment of ONT contributions. A staggered payment plan was agreed on five monthly instalments, with a lump sum set at 160 million Congolese francs. This agreement will make it possible to take care of ONT retirees who have not benefited from their rights for years. It will be evaluated every three months, and in the event of a dispute, both parties will seek an amicable resolution. This collaboration demonstrates the will of the institutions to find solutions to financial problems and to guarantee the social protection of workers. This is a significant step forward in the regularization of payments and the financial stability of companies.
The Congolese government is requesting an assessment of the amount to be paid to the Congolese Toll Company (SOPECO) for the work carried out over 8 years on the Kinshasa-Matadi road. This request comes within the framework of the end of the collaboration between the government and SOPECO, in charge of managing the toll service since 2015. It is crucial that this evaluation be carried out in an impartial manner in order to ensure fair compensation for the work. The effective management of road infrastructure is essential to the economic and social development of the country. It is therefore essential to ensure that road construction and maintenance works are carried out in a transparent and efficient manner. The requested assessment will help ensure transparency and trust in the management of road infrastructure in the Democratic Republic of Congo.