Dr Congo to Ease Restrictions in Conflict-Hit Region

Soldiers escorting the six soldiers, charged with crimes against humanity and of violating orders, wait in a pick-up truck at the end of the hearing at the military court in Goma, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, September 6, 2023.

Eastern DR Congo has experienced unrest for decades.

The Democratic Republic of Congo will reduce restrictions in two conflict-hit areas where a state of siege - essentially martial law - has been in force for two years.

President Félix Tshisekedi said in a televised address on Thursday night that he had decided on "a gradual and progressive easing" of restrictions in the eastern provinces of North Kivu and Ituri.

The state of siege was imposed in 2021 in order to suppress unrest in the region.

The president said he would lift a curfew that had been imposed, allow the free movement of people and goods and restore the right to peaceful demonstration and assembly.

It comes just months before the general elections, to be held on 20 December, in which Mr Tshisekedi is seeking re-election.

"This is all the more important as the various players involved in the electoral process are entitled to participate fully and without hindrance," he said.

The stage of siege has been criticised by human rights groups who say it has led to mass detentions and restrictions on movement.

Source: BBC