Congo’s president—President Felix Tshisekedi—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.
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.
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.
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