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Congo's State of Siege and Constitutional Amendment
The Democratic Republic of Congo is considering lifting its state of siege in order to amend the constitution, but this decision is fraught with challenges given the ongoing insecurity and the M23 rebellion.
French
Germany
PoliticsHuman Rights ViolationsConflictAfricaSecurityCongoConstitution
UdpsMonuscoM23
Félix TshisekediRuth AlongaChristian Lumu Lukusa
- What is the impact of the M23 rebel activity on the situation?
- The M23 rebels' ongoing offensive in North Kivu adds to the uncertainty and fear among the population. The rebels' actions complicate any potential improvements in security, whether or not the state of siege is lifted.
- What are the overall expectations and desires of the people of Goma?
- The people of Goma express a strong desire for peace and improved security. They feel that the current state of siege has failed to achieve its objectives, and many are calling for an immediate end to the violence.
- What is the current security situation in North Kivu and Ituri provinces?
- The state of siege in North Kivu and Ituri provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo has been in effect since 2021, yet the security situation hasn't improved. The government's potential lifting of the state of siege is linked to its plans to amend the constitution.
- How does the planned constitutional amendment relate to the state of siege?
- The ruling party, UDPS, plans to amend the constitution, a move that is not possible while the state of siege is in place. This constitutional obstacle has led to discussions about lifting the state of siege to allow for the constitutional changes.
- What are the opinions of Congolese citizens regarding the potential lifting of the state of siege?
- Congolese citizens interviewed express mixed feelings about the potential lifting of the state of siege. Some believe it's necessary to improve the security situation, while others are concerned that lifting it might worsen the already unstable situation.