“Exchange rate stability in the DRC: the reasons and the challenges”

This article from Agence Congolaise de Presse (ACP) indicates that the exchange rate of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) remained stable on the parallel market, established at 2,345 CDF for one US dollar. Reserves stood at US$4.2 billion as of May 04, 2023. Other blog posts illustrate current challenges: political and security instability, management of funds intended for provinces, etc. However, despite these challenges, the President of the DRC continues to encourage foreign investors to come and invest in the DRC to enable the country to consolidate its economic stability and move towards sustainable growth.

“DRC: Distribution of 753 billion CDF between the provinces, what impact on development?”

The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has retroceded a sum of 753 billion CDF to the 26 provinces of the country representing an execution rate of 45% on the budget estimates. The province of Kinshasa obtained the largest share of these funds with 168 billion CDF, followed by Kwilu with 63 billion CDF. The budget forecast for the charges to be paid by the central government for the fiscal year 2023 amounts to CDF 6.6 trillion out of an overall budget of USD 16 billion. The retrocession of these funds could allow the provinces to finance development projects and improve the living conditions of their populations.

“IPAS closes sexual health campaign for displaced Bulengo, providing access to safe abortions and dignity kits”

The NGO IPAS has closed a campaign to provide reproductive health care, including safe abortions, to displaced women living in Bulengo camp in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This campaign enabled 2,377 people to have access to care, including 213 for safe abortions. Women also received dignity kits, and a space for dialogue was created to discuss sexual needs and rights. The campaign was in line with the Maputo Protocol, adopted in 2018 by the DRC to promote safe abortion.

“The urgent call to mobilize funds for the populations of North Kivu and Ituri in the DRC”

This article relates the call for mobilization launched by the Deputy Special Representative of the United Nations in the DRC, Bruno Lemarquis, in favor of the populations of North Kivu and Ituri, in the grip of a worsening humanitarian crisis. day after day. Faced with the explosion of needs, Bruno Lemarquis requested the help of diplomats to mobilize funds for a coordinated, effective and more robust humanitarian response. It is crucial that the international community strengthens its support for the DRC to help the most vulnerable populations, while the humanitarian response in the DRC is only 50% funded.

“Michela Wrong denounces the true face of Rwanda during a conference at the University of Kinshasa”

Journalist Michela Wrong presented her book “Rwanda, assassin sans frontières” at the University of Kinshasa. She criticized Western governments’ support for Kagame’s authoritarian regime and the human rights record and rigged elections. The UNIKIN Student Coordination and the Legal Café were satisfied with the organization of this event. Issues relating to security, relations with the United Kingdom and the perception of Kigali and the regime were discussed.

“Felix Tshisekedi urges Botswana economic operators to invest in the DRC during an official visit”

The President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Felix Tshisekedi, visited Botswana to promote investment in his country. He pointed out that the DRC offers enormous opportunities despite the country’s historical dependence on the mining sector. He is committed to reversing this trend by transforming raw materials on site. President Tshisekedi also proposed the opening to investments on the Congolese market of nearly 100 million consumers, the legal stability of business relations and the importance of the potential of natural resources. His visit also underscored President Tshisekedi’s desire to strengthen economic relations between Botswana and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“Beni: Arrest of 22 suspected bandits, despite the state of siege in force”

Police in Beni, North Kivu province, presented a group of 22 suspected bandits arrested during anti-crime operations in the town, including three women. Two of the defendants were apprehended in a nearby town. The police appealed to the population for better collaboration in order to reduce the crime rate in the region, which remains a scourge despite the state of siege in force. The region is one of the most destabilized in the country due to recurrent violence by local armed groups and foreign rebel groups, which plunges the population into a security psychosis.

“Insecurity in the DRC: 14 civilians detained by Ugandan rebels of the ADF, the population called to vigilance”.

The security situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo remains worrying, with the detention of 14 civilians by Ugandan rebels ADF, who attacked localities in Mambasa at the beginning of May, causing the death of five civilians. The New Congolese Civil Society urged the army to step up patrols and called on the population to be vigilant, stressing that the rebels are still active in the surrounding forests. Despite the efforts of the authorities, the situation remains unstable, so silent and rapid cooperation is necessary to end the insecurity in the east of the country.

“The collective dismissal of the agents of the Direction of Communication of the presidency controversial: unclear reasons and unknown reasons”

This article deals with the collective dismissal of agents of the Communication Department of the Presidency of the Republic. The motives given are unclear, the real reasons unknown and the management of the job suspect. The dismissed agents expressed their injustice in the face of this brutal decision, which is difficult to justify. Any dismissal must obey certain rules of propriety, especially when it comes to a political institution such as the Presidency of the Republic.

DRC and Indonesia sign letter of intent for military cooperation

The Democratic Republic of Congo and Indonesia have signed a letter of intent on military cooperation between the two countries. This cooperation concerns defence, education, training and the defense industry. The collaboration could allow the DRC to acquire advanced technologies to modernize its army and contribute to the reform of the Congolese defense sector. Nevertheless, this cooperation raises questions about human rights and the responsibility of companies abroad.