This blog post discusses recent flooding in South Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which killed 401 people. The Congolese government has taken steps to manage this humanitarian crisis, mobilizing the provincial health division and the local Red Cross to deal with the emergency, as well as providing food, non-food items and medications. A day of national mourning has been declared. The article also highlights the socio-economic challenges facing the DRC, such as security, the maize crisis, but also positive developments, such as new measures to protect the rights of spouses and the organization of events sporting and cultural.

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has decided to send troops to eastern DRC to help restore peace and security. This decision comes in a context of persistent violence in this region, where armed groups continue to attack civilians. At the same time, the DRC faces other socio-economic challenges such as mining fraud and challenges faced by students. However, positive initiatives have also been launched to address some of the socio-economic challenges in the DRC.

The Democratic Republic of Congo has lost more than a billion dollars in tax and para-fiscal revenue in three years due to mining fraud, including cobalt. Mines Minister Antoinette N’Samba Kalambayi called for the revitalization of the National Commission against Mining Fraud and highlighted the links between mining fraud and armed groups acting on behalf of neighboring countries. The fight against mining fraud is one of the government’s priorities for the construction of public infrastructure such as hospitals, schools and roads.

The out-of-session tests for the 2022-2023 state exam have started in the DRC, attracting the attention of candidates, educators and civil servants. In the educational province of Kongo central 2, more than 17,795 candidates participated in the essay tests. The provincial director of the EPST urged the finalists to approach them with discipline and conviction. However, education in the DRC faces major challenges, including limited access to education for girls, limited infrastructure and the quality of teachers. Measures are needed to address these challenges and improve educational opportunities for Congolese students.

The town of Kindu, capital of the province of Maniema in the DRC, has been under a curfew since violence broke out in the region last Sunday. The authorities imposed a curfew in the city due to the presence of an insurgent movement. Tension is high in Kindu, where demonstrators set fire to the provincial headquarters of the UDPS. The DRC faces many security and socio-economic challenges, particularly in the east of the country, but promising initiatives have been put in place to overcome them.

Namibia called for closer coordination between regional organizations to support the government and people of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to deal with the challenges in eastern DRC, where local and foreign armed groups are assets. SADC countries have offered assistance to help the DRC stabilize its eastern part, but regional diplomatic initiatives have stalled. It is essential to commit to inclusive education, where girls who are victims of social constraints are also taken into account.

The deputies of the Democratic Republic of Congo examined a bill aimed at modifying certain articles of the Family Code. The proposal includes several important points such as dowry, engagement, polygamy, succession and inheritance, private international law and divorce by mutual consent, among others. The proposal provides for innovations such as the residence of the woman exercising an important function, the maximum fixing of the amount of the dowry, the prohibition of polygamy and the dissolution of the engagement. This bill is a major social issue and will provide a better framework for existing matrimonial practices.

The XXL Energy Congo River Marathon, sponsored by Bracongo for the third consecutive time, will take place on June 4, 2023 in the town of Gombe with three distances offered: 10 km, 21 km and 42 km. Participation for the 1500 runners expected is $5 including a t-shirt and a medal. Congolese athletes will be encouraged to participate massively, with the chance to win a check and a plane ticket. The marathon is an opportunity to promote sport, the XXL Énergie brand and Congolese talents who aspire to recognition. Residents of Kinshasa and foreign visitors will be invited to participate in this unmissable annual event to reinforce the positive and dynamic image of the country.

On Monday May 8, a landslide occurred in a mine belonging to the Bisunzu Mining Company (SMB) in the DRC, where an unknown number of diggers were still trapped under the rubble. This new tragedy attests to the need to take concrete measures to regulate mining activity, regularize artisanal activities and protect the environment. Owners of these mines must be prosecuted for human rights violations. While having numerous mineral deposits, the DRC must not overlook a real responsible and sustainable mining policy, to guarantee the safety of workers and the rapid economic and social development of local communities.