As elections near, Congo says it will ease military rule in the conflict-riddled east

2024-12-24 07:44:30 source: category:Scams

GOMA, Congo (AP) — Congo’s president said he will gradually ease the state of military rule in the conflict-riddled east and lift some restrictions imposed more than two years ago.

Speaking to the nation Thursday, President Felix Tshisekedi said there would be a gradual easing of the state of siege in North Kivu and Ituri provinces, which includes ending a curfew, allowing peaceful demonstrations and for people to live normal lives.

The announcement comes more than two months ahead of presidential elections, when Tshisekedi hopes to secure a second term.

He implemented the state of siege in 2021, allowing military and police to take control from civilian institutions, in an attempt to stem rising violence.

Other news UN suspends and detains 8 peacekeepers in Congo over allegations of sexual exploitation Congolese military court convicts colonel and 3 soldiers in connection with killings of protesters At UN, African leaders say enough is enough: They must be partnered with, not sidelined

More than 120 armed groups are fighting in the region, mostly for land and control of mines with valuable minerals, while some groups are trying to protect their communities.

“I have taken the firm resolution to lead the populations of the provinces of Ituri and North Kivu towards a gradual and progressive easing of the regime and the restriction of the state of siege,” said Tshisekedi.

Civil society and rights groups have criticized the state of siege, accusing security forces of exploiting their power against the population.

“It has failed in its stated purpose of rapidly improving the security situation. Military authorities have instead used their extraordinary powers to further undermine people’s rights with impunity, including freedoms of expression and assembly, and the right to justice,” said Amnesty International.

Despite military rule, violence in the region has continued and intensified. At least one militia linked to the Islamic State group has expanded its presence, while rebel groups such as M23 have seized towns, displacing tens of thousands of people.

The United States Embassy in Congo said Thursday that it was greatly concerned about the increased violence in North Kivu province, where M23 is active, and the ensuing loss of lives and displacement. It called on the government to redouble its efforts to protect civilians.

———

Kamale reported from Kinshasa

More:Scams

Recommend

Don't Miss Cameron Diaz's Return to the Big Screen Alongside Jamie Foxx in Back in Action Trailer

Cameron Diaz is ready for her closeup. Ten years after her last movie, the Charlie's Angels alum is

New York state trooper charged in deadly shooting captured on bodycam video after high-speed chase

A New York state trooper was charged with manslaughter Monday for shooting an unarmed motorist to de

Why were the sun and moon red Tuesday? Wildfire smoke — here's how it recolors the skies

People in New York City and across the northeastern United States woke up Tuesday morning to an unus