The Minister of State in charge of Territorial Development and Planning in the Democratic Republic of Congo announces the end of the misuse of physical space to avoid natural disasters. These regulations will govern construction and land allocation for land use planning. The regulations will be explained to the population before their promulgation. This measure is notably motivated by the recent floods which caused the death of 438 people. The government will thus adopt a national land use plan. The goal is to offer the population a well-developed territory that will reduce the number of victims of natural disasters and guarantee sustainable development in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
This article exposes the security situation in Ituri where a state of siege has been put in place to hunt down armed groups and restore state authority. The defense and security services conducted hundreds of combat patrols which helped stabilize the province. However, insecurity persists in certain regions of the country, notably in North Kivu, where armed groups continue to attack the population. The Congolese president meanwhile recently visited a diamond mine in Botswana, a visit that inspired a recovery plan for the mining sector in his country. Finally, Congolese justice has been at the center of debate and controversy with the acquittal of a former security chief, raising questions about impunity and its impact on insecurity in the country.
In a blog article, it is announced that the finalist girls registered in all the examination centers located in the capital of the province of Sankuru in the Democratic Republic of the Congo will benefit from taking charge of the costs of participation in the ‘State, 2022-2023 edition. This initiative aims to encourage more girls to continue their education. The decision was taken following an accident where young girls were victims of a landslide while looking for money to pay their school fees. This decision will facilitate the education of young girls in this region and support the development of the community.
Congolese Prime Minister Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde Kyenge met with a delegation of senators from the provinces resulting from the dismemberment of the former Eastern Province to discuss issues related to insecurity, road infrastructure and artisanal mining. The senators underlined the importance of the involvement of the government to avoid worse situations for the populations. Although these problems are present in several regions of the country, the Congolese authorities are implementing solutions to improve the situation, in particular through field visits, regular contact with local authorities and economic recovery projects.
The CENCO-ECC electoral observation mission in Congo is concerned about the approach of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) for the recruitment of auditors for the electoral roll, fearing a lack of independence that could lead to a biased or manipulated presentation of the report. The EOM CENCO-ECC warns of negative consequences on the credibility of the election results and requests that the CENI call on an independent and experienced body to carry out the work. This highlights the importance of transparency and independence to ensure the integrity of results and citizens’ confidence in the democratic process.
“North Kivu in the DRC: freedom of the press still under threat despite the rise in the RSF ranking”
The DRC has made progress in the world press freedom index, but the situation remains difficult in certain areas such as North Kivu, where journalists have been forced to flee due to violence by the M23. 68 journalists were thus forced to take refuge in Goma. Some wish to return, but the army cannot currently ensure their protection. Finally, the director of Mikeno radio in Bunagana has been missing since February 24.
The Democratic Republic of Congo is facing worrying security instability. In addition to the M23, the ADF, an armed group of Ugandan origin, has been carrying out deadly attacks since 2014 in the Beni region and is now expanding into Ituri. The solutions put in place so far are not satisfactory. The country is also confronted with misery and insecurity. Initiatives such as the financing of ERA Congo’s state examination fees or the road backfilling financed by the town hall are giving positive results, but the situation in the country remains critical. It is necessary to work together to find lasting solutions.
Opposition leaders in the Democratic Republic of Congo have postponed their march scheduled for May 13, following a decision made with Governor Gentiny Ngobila. However, they have planned a demonstration for May 18 to denounce the difficult situation in the country. They urge the population to exercise their right to demonstrate to obtain the organization of elections within the constitutional deadline and refuse to live under the current conditions. Civil society is also invited to participate in this demonstration which marks the beginning of a series of future actions according to the opposition leaders.
DRC President Félix Tshisekedi, accompanied by members of the FEC and COPIREP, visited the Jwaneng Diamond Mine in Botswana. This visit inspired the Head of State to revive the diamond sector in the DRC. A recovery plan for the Bakwanga mining company was adopted in January 2023, valued at 453 million dollars and accompanied by an investment plan of 161 million dollars, for execution over 5 years. La Miba, the Congolese mining company, has seen a drop in diamond production and revenue in recent years.
Ugandan ADF rebels have carried out a new attack in the Beni region of the Democratic Republic of Congo, resulting in the death of three civilians and the burning of two vehicles and a motorcycle. The ADF carried away the ferry bridge of Semuliki, thus making traffic difficult on this road axis. This attack is the umpteenth recorded on the Karuruma axis attributed to the rebels. The ADF are accused of having killed thousands of civilians in the area for eight years. The authorities must redouble their vigilance to ensure the safety of the population.