The government of Sama Lukonde in the Democratic Republic of Congo has announced that it is launching large-scale operations to restore state authority and deal with bandits and land disputes in three cities: Kinshasa, Kwamouth and Kisangani. These regions are experiencing growing instability and are the scene of violent clashes between communities, including the conflict between the Mbole and Lengola tribes and that between the Teke and Yaka tribes. It is hoped that these operations will help protect the populations and improve the living conditions of the inhabitants of these areas.
The article highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where the M23 war has resulted in large numbers of displaced people living in precarious conditions in camps such as Bulengo. Epidemics of cholera and measles are frequent there, with women and children being the most affected. NGOs such as Médecins Sans Frontières provide medical aid to the population. It is urgent that the Congolese authorities improve infrastructure and take preventive measures for the management of drinking water and infectious diseases. Increased international attention and support are needed to protect war-affected populations forced to flee their homes.
The security crisis in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is worsening following a crisis of confidence between local actors. President Félix Tshisekedi is challenging the EAC by getting closer to the SADC and wants to “revitalize” the Monusco Force Intervention Brigade (FIB). Congo-Brazzaville helps by providing electricity to Kinshasa. Reforms and the fight against corruption will be crucial for the DRC in the face of these challenges.
The proposed law to revise the family code in the Democratic Republic of Congo, dealing with dowry, engagement and polygamy, has sparked heated debate. The bill would set the dowry at $500, which drew mixed reactions. Some hail the measure as necessary to fight against depravity and excesses. However, others fear that the arbitrary fixing of the dowry removes an important element from the marriage process. Indeed, the dowry is often the subject of discussions and symbolic meetings between two families, which reinforce the cohesion and the transmission of our cultural heritage. Members must therefore take care to preserve the beauty of our customs while ensuring their evolution for the general well-being of society.
The famous Samy Mikobi, nicknamed “The Strategist”, has died, leaving his Congolese showbiz friends in turmoil and in pain. Samy Mikobi, originally from Bandalungwa, was a public man and friend of musicians. He was known for his acceptance and his ability to evolve in influential circles and to play his relationships. Since 1990, he worked with the Rodalls in a structure whose center of interest is customs, named Socodam and housed in the ACP building. Samy Mikobi was in the backyard of Honorary Prime Minister and current Vice-President of the Senate, Samy Badibanga and was very close to Papa Wemba. His professional life was marked by great feats of arms and he was always available to help. Her slim, well-filed waist in no way represented her efficiency and ability to succeed with any business.
President Félix Tshisekedi participated in an economic forum in Botswana, where Congolese entrepreneurs signed a partnership with the Botswana Investment and Trade Center to promote investment between the two countries. The Head of State encouraged intra-African partnerships and the processing of raw materials for the development of Congo. The National Strategic Development Plan prioritizes sectors with high growth potential to stimulate economic growth and improve the standard of living of the populations.
This article examines the underside of the Société Anhui/Congo d’Investissement Minier (Sacim) affair, which is causing a stir in the Congolese sociopolitical universe, and the role played by Ngoyi Kasanji, former governor of Kasaï-Oriental. The exploitation partnership for this mine was supposed to be shared equally between China and the DRC, but was not until the advent of President Tshisekedi in 2019. However, the opening of the sale of diamonds from Sacim, thanks to the creation of Tenders, which allows Congolese of all origins to invest locally, is not to the taste of some Congolese, including Ngoyi Kasanji who was doing lucrative business with the old regime.
The governor of the province of South Kivu in the DRC, Théo Ngwabidje Kasi, has decided to form his couple as a foster family for two infants who were rescued after a week spent in distress on the lake, following the torrential rains that have causes more than 430 deaths. This announcement was made during his visit to hospitals to comfort the injured and sick in hospital. The governor’s gesture is symbolic but to be welcomed in a difficult context for the protection of children in the DRC.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Francophonie of the Democratic Republic of Congo announced the establishment of new members to oversee the 9th edition of the Francophonie games to be held in Kinshasa in July and August 2023. This international competition brings together young people from 18 to 35 years old in sporting events and cultural competitions. Although a few new names are included on the list, many members have been reappointed to their previous positions. The changes were poorly received by some, who felt that the previous members had been sacked because of their closeness to the former Minister of Regional Integration and La Francophonie.
The 49th General Assembly of the Global Fund Board was held in Hanoi (Vietnam), where members discussed development strategies, the commitment of financial resources, risk management as well as the commitment of partnerships . The African delegation called for local capacity building and pleaded for a broader approach involving governments and regional structures. The Global Fund is a major international funding program aimed at fighting the tuberculosis, HIV and malaria pandemics. There are two African seats out of the 28 available on the board.