the citizen's blog
The news in the Democratic Republic of Congo is varied, ranging from the call for tenders launched by MMG Kinsevere SARL for the construction of concrete slabs and retaining walls, to humanitarian problems such as the mass displacement of families, and the diseases such as cholera and measles in vulnerable communities. President Felix Tshisekedi also visited Botswana for an economic discussion and to sign an economic partnership to encourage investment and job creation.
This article deals with the law proposal put forward by a Congolese deputy consisting in fixing the sum of $500 for the dowry. The author gives different points of view on this question by interviewing Congolese women. Some consider that setting the sum at $500 would be inappropriate because it does not represent their value and propose an amount of at least $1,500 for the dowry. Others believe that the dowry should not only be a question of money, but rather a list of possessions accompanied by a sum of money to open a dialogue between the two families. Finally, the comments gathered underline the importance of openly discussing the question of the dowry to avoid situations of stress on the expenses related to the reception and the customary wedding.
The electoral mediation mission of religious denominations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has praised the work of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) in identifying and registering voters in just four months. The mission also encouraged the CENI to continue its work in complete independence, guaranteed by the constitution of the Republic, and welcomed the decision of the CENI for an external audit of the electoral register in order to ensure the transparency of the operation of the revision of the electoral register.
The Democratic Republic of Congo faces complex challenges, including intercommunal violence and a humanitarian crisis. The government has announced security operations to restore order and peace in several regions. The President traveled to Botswana to examine business models and encourage investment. Sensitive issues continue to divide the country, such as the question of dowry and polygamy, as well as the audit of the electoral register. The DRC must provide effective political and economic responses to improve the living conditions of its citizens.
The humanitarian crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is getting worse every day, causing thousands of families to flee and seek refuge in overcrowded camps like Bulengo. Living conditions are precarious and diseases like cholera and measles spread easily due to the lack of sanitation infrastructure. Humanitarian organizations, such as MSF, are trying to respond to this emergency by providing medical care to the displaced.
The proposed law revising the family code in the Democratic Republic of Congo has sparked heated debate, particularly around the question of the dowry. The text proposes to set the sum at 500 dollars, but some believe that the discussion around the dowry remains symbolic and should be discussed between the two families. Others believe that the revision is essential to safeguard national values. The controversy recalls the importance of customs and traditions in Congolese culture, but a balanced solution will be necessary to find a consensus around this complex question.
President Felix Tshisekedi and his counterpart from Botswana signed a partnership during an economic forum aimed at promoting investment and improving the living conditions of the population. The Congolese government has created a legal framework to guarantee the security of investments in key sectors such as subsistence agriculture and agro-industry. The collaboration between the companies of the two countries should be strengthened during an upcoming economic mission organized by ANAPI.
The President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Felix Tshisekedi, paid an official visit to Botswana to study the country’s economic success and its management model of the Jwaneng mine, the symbol of the diamond industry. The Congolese president is impressed by this success and aspires to duplicate this model in the DRC to reverse the curse of natural resources. This visit was also an opportunity to strengthen bilateral cooperation between the DRC and Botswana in the production of batteries and electric vehicles to propel Africa into the energy transition. However, the DRC continues to face many challenges, such as the violence in eastern Congo and the Vitshumbi disaster, requiring strong partnerships to find viable solutions for the well-being of the Congolese population and to ensure a prosperous economic future.
The question of the audit of the electoral register in the DRC is a subject of controversy. The OIF cannot guarantee the external audit of the electoral register for the DRC, because the CENI has not offered sufficient time for its support. The opposition recommends that the CENI use national expertise to audit the electoral register, noting the sovereignist nature of the election. It is the interest of the Congolese nation that must take precedence to guarantee a free, transparent and credible electoral process.
The Democratic Republic of Congo and Botswana are joining forces to create a regional value chain in the battery and electric vehicle industry. By exploiting their strategic natural resources, the two countries could play a key role in the energy transition and allow Africa to benefit from its abundant resources. The DRC has signed a framework agreement for the creation of a special economic zone dedicated to the production of batteries and electric vehicles in several countries of the region. This project was launched during the DRC-Africa Business Forum in October 2021.