In the city of Goma located within the Democratic Republic of Congo, presidential candidate Moses Katumbi has committed to deal with security in the county as war violence continues rising especially in its mineral rich regions. This is part of his presidential bid in the elections scheduled for December 20, 2023, where he intends to oust President Félix Tshisekedi.
The eastern provinces of North Kivu and Ituri have been a center of intense fights where multiple armed militia groups are competing for land ownership and control over resources. This is just an aftermath of a civil war that ended two decades ago, with people being attacked brutally, and millions displaced. The offensive by the rebel group M23 in recent months has captured several towns and villages further intensifying the instability of the region.
In the Goma rally, one wealthy businessperson and former governor of copper-rich Katanga Province assured people about their safety saying that he would keep addressing the issue seriously. He declared emphatically that “this problem we shall tackle once and for all.” He also showed personal commitment to the city by purchasing his own house there and promised not to use his salary until North Kivu and Ituri are liberated.
According to a report by Reuters, the continued violence has resulted in demonstrations against the United Nations peacekeeping mission. The residents have expressed dissatisfaction over the failure of the mission to protect civilians. President Tshisekedi has demanded that the mission be withdrawn and a regional force from East Africa be removed because they are not effective against rebels.
One of over two dozen candidates running for presidency is Katumbi, including opposition leader Martin Fayulu and Nobel laureate Dennis Mukwege. Three opponents have dropped out of the race to support him after the consensus of different opposition parties to unite and confront Tshisekedi.
The campaign by katumbi focuses on bringing peace to the region which has been marred by violence and is providing hope to the people of eastern Congo provinces. Addressing the security crisis remains a tall order; the solution hinges on the commitments of a newly elected president.
