The Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde, visited the northern province of Kivu in the heart of a region troubled by armed violence - despite the military operations performed by the DRC's army. The head of the Congolese executive arrived in Goma, the capital of the province of North Kivu, during the first stage of his visit.
"We came with a strong delegation as part of the evaluations we are doing at the level of the Parliament. And it will be an opportunity for us to review the level of progress of the state of siege," said the Prime Minister as he got off the plane accompanied by eight ministers, the head of the army, the police, MPs and senators.
The two provinces have been under a state of siege for 11 months, as decided by President Felix Tshisekedi in an attempt to reduce the violence that has lasted for nearly three decades.
The government delegation begins its visit after the security situation has deteriorated sharply in the region with the resurgence of the M23 rebels, who have taken control of several locations in the territory of Rutshuru in North Kivu province.
After days of fighting, the rebels announced that they had withdrawn from some of the territories they had conquered. They expressed their will to "give a chance to a peaceful settlement of the crisis."
The Cooperative for the Development of Congo (CODECO) militia and the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) of Ugandan origin have intensified their attacks in Ituri province.
The Prime Minister said he was also in Goma to prepare for the visit of Pope Francis, who is expected to visit the city in July.
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