Current:Home > Contact-usAs elections near, Congo says it will ease military rule in the conflict-riddled east-LoTradeCoin
As elections near, Congo says it will ease military rule in the conflict-riddled east
View Date:2024-12-24 00:21:51
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.
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
veryGood! (863)
Related
- Roster limits in college small sports put athletes on chopping block while coaches look for answers
- 60 years after JFK’s death, today’s Kennedys choose other paths to public service
- Shipwreck called the worst maritime disaster in Seattle history located over a century later, explorers say
- 'Most sought-after Scotch whisky' sells for record $2.7M at London auction
- Brianna “Chickenfry” LaPaglia Explains Why She’s Not Removing Tattoo of Ex Zach Bryan’s Lyrics
- Erin Andrews Breaks Down in Tears Detailing Moment She Learned She'd Been Secretly Videotaped
- Below Deck Mediterranean Shocker: Stew Natalya Scudder Exits Season 8 Early
- Close friends can help you live longer but they can spread some bad habits too
- Kalen DeBoer, Jalen Milroe save Alabama football season, as LSU's Brian Kelly goes splat
- Biden plans to deploy immigration officers to Panama to help screen and deport U.S.-bound migrants, officials say
Ranking
- College Football Playoff bracket: Complete playoff picture after latest rankings
- Texas attorney accused of smuggling drug-laced papers to inmates in county jail
- Close friends can help you live longer but they can spread some bad habits too
- Colman Domingo’s time is now
- Dramatic video shows Phoenix police rescue, pull man from car submerged in pool: Watch
- Americans say money can buy happiness. Here's their price tag.
- Deep sea explorer Don Walsh, part of 2-man crew to first reach deepest point of ocean, dies at 92
- Hundreds leave Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza as Israeli forces take control of facility
Recommendation
-
'Red One' review: Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans embark on a joyless search for Santa
-
TGL pushes start date to 2025 due to recent stadium issue
-
A Minnesota woman came home to 133 Target packages sent to her by mistake
-
Zach Edey, Braden Smith lead Purdue men's basketball to Maui Invitational win over Gonzaga
-
Video ‘bares’ all: Insurers say bear that damaged luxury cars was actually a person in a costume
-
Michigan school shooting survivor heals with surgery, a trusted horse and a chance to tell her story
-
Man linked to Arizona teen Alicia Navarro pleads not guilty to possessing child sexual abuse images
-
Where is Thanksgiving most expensive? Residents in these US cities expect to pay more