DRC: Ministry of the Interior calls for peaceful coexistence in provincial assemblies

Kinshasa, October 6, 2025 - At the Provincial Assembly of Kongo-Central, where several MPs and journalists were injured, the Ministry of the Interior, through its adviser Jean-Marc Nzeyidio Lukombo, called on 7 October for peaceful coexistence and respect for the democratic process in provincial assemblies. He strongly condemned these acts, which he deemed unacceptable, pointing out that the installation of the bureau d'âge is a legal procedure that must take place in a calm atmosphere. This statement comes amid a tense political climate marked by the resignation of the president of the provincial assembly, Papy Mantezolo, and the relocation of the plenary session to the Matadi town hall to ensure that work can continue in a peaceful manner.

DRC: Kinshasa makes any economic agreement with Rwanda conditional on the withdrawal of its troops

On 8 October 2025, the Congolese government reaffirmed that no economic agreement will be signed with Rwanda as long as Rwandan troops remain deployed in eastern DRC alongside M23 rebels. According to spokesperson Patrick Muyaya, this position explains Kinshasa's refusal to sign the Regional Economic Integration Framework (CIER) proposed under US mediation in Washington. The government believes that lasting peace must precede any economic or diplomatic cooperation, denouncing in particular the massacres of civilians in Rutshuru as proof of continuing instability. According to Kinshasa, this decision is part of a diplomatic approach based on sovereignty and national security.