Category: Non classé

The Democratic Republic of Congo has launched the largest exchange point in Central Africa, Africa Congo Internet Exchange (ACIX), in order to fight the digital divide. This project was created in partnership with the NGO “Internet for all” and the German company DE-CIX, aiming to allow operators to exchange and facilitate the transit of content on the Internet. This exchange point will connect neighboring countries from the Atlantic Ocean to the Indian Ocean and significantly reduce latency and cost. ACIX is seen as a milestone for the country’s transnational and continental connectivity. The NGO “Internet Pour Tous” has also signed an agreement with the Digital Development Agency to connect thousands of schools to the Internet free of charge as part of the “CAP 2030 – A multimedia computer class connected in each school in the DRC”.

The High Military Court is pursuing the treason case against national deputy Édouard Mwangachuchu. Documents presented during the hearing cast doubt on his nationality and country of residence. Mwangachuchu denies being a Rwandan citizen despite taking a Covid test in Rwanda. He is being prosecuted for possession of weapons and is suspected of collusion with Rwanda to attack the Democratic Republic of Congo. This case of treason fuels debates in the DRC.

Last weekend in Kinshasa, a march by the political opposition was marked by police violence and arrests, including those of journalists. Peaceful protesters gathered to demand reform and respect for the constitution, but were met by brutal security forces who used tear gas and batons. The government strongly condemned the violence and pledged to investigate and bring those responsible to justice. Human rights organizations have expressed concern over a long list of cases of police brutality in the DRC, stressing the importance of protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms.

On Saturday May 20, several political parties organized activities in Kinshasa. Authorities have deployed hundreds of police to provide security. The UDPS march went smoothly while that of the four opposition parties was disrupted as they refused to follow the given route. The clashes with the police caused several acts of vandalism and injured 27 police officers as well as six individuals equipped with machetes who were arrested. Three police officers responsible for beating the demonstrators and a minor have been arrested and will be brought before military justice.

The rural commune of Luebo, in the province of Kasai, was hit by torrential rain accompanied by strong winds, which caused the destruction of 60 houses and injured five people. The victims spend the night under the stars and need urgent assistance. The most vulnerable are children, women and the elderly. The provincial government of Kasai is asked to help the victims.

On May 4, a disaster struck the Kalehe region in the DRC. The official report of the authorities reports 438 dead, more than 5,000 missing and thousands of victims. According to the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General in the DRC, the number of victims would be much higher, because many of the victims did not live in the area affected by the bad weather. The international community is called upon to mobilize to come to the aid of the victims, and the disaster is a reminder of the importance of preventing and managing the risks of disasters.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, conflict-related sexual violence increased significantly in March 2021 with 68 female victims, most of them the work of armed groups such as the Mai-Mai Twa, the Ngumino, the M23 and CODECO. The most affected provinces are South Kivu, North Kivu, Tanganyika and Ituri. National and international experts urge governments and security groups to work to ensure peace and security for civilian populations and to support victims so that they can rebuild and reintegrate into society.

The Provincial Episcopal Assembly of Kinshasa (ASSEPKIN) is sounding the alarm on the recent violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), particularly in the provinces of Mai-Ndombe, Kwilu, Kwango and Kinshasa. Bloodthirsty invisible hands instrumentalize these conflicts for political and economic interests, according to the bishops. The Prelates call on political leaders to withdraw their hands to protect the people and stop manipulating them. The situation has already caused the death of at least 300 people since June 2022, according to the NGO Human Rights Watch (HRW).

Beni, a town in the province of North Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has seen a series of criminal acts over the past few days. Thanks to protests from local civil society, activities resumed after five days of ghost town days. The security situation remains worrying in the city, with more than 850 cases of urban crime recorded in recent months. The residents hope that the authorities will continue to work to guarantee security and peace in their city.

This article relates the arrest of a territory administrator in the DR Congo and highlights the tensions and concerns that this arouses among the local population. The situation in the country is also discussed, with its challenges and positive signs. The article stresses the importance for the Congolese authorities and the international community to guarantee the security and respect for the individual freedoms of citizens.