Kinshasa, August 23rd, 2023 – The civil society in North Kivu finds itself at odds over the outcomes of the Round Table discussion that evaluated the state of siege, which has been in effect for over two years in the provinces of Ituri and North Kivu in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). These provinces have been significantly affected by insecurity. President Félix Tshisekedi convened this gathering from August 14th to 16th in Kinshasa, bringing together delegates from the two affected provinces. However, the recent dynamics within the civil society of North Kivu have criticized the organization of this round table, highlighting shortcomings.
The emerging momentum within North Kivu’s civil society initially commended the central government’s efforts to seek peace in the eastern region of the DRC, specifically in the provinces of North Kivu and Ituri. Nevertheless, the signatories have pointed out perceived irregularities in the preparation of the Kinshasa round table.
According to the North Kivu New Dynamic Civil Society (NDSC), the province’s representation was not inclusive, as only a segment of civil society was involved. Furthermore, they assert that the geopolitical representation was not respected, favoring only a specific part of the North Kivu province. The general population was not consulted, and no feedback was provided on the discussions’ outcomes.
“We remain convinced that lifting or maintaining the state of siege will not ensure peace in North Kivu and Ituri,” state the signatories of the press release. They advocate for a candid, sincere, and inclusive dialogue, alongside a robust land management policy, and addressing the issue of refugees present in the DRC.