Members of the DRC national assembly on Friday adopted a new bill extending Martial law in Ituri and North Kivu provinces.
This is the 95th time this state of emergency has been extended. The bill was presented by Samuel Mbemba, Deputy Minister of Justice.
He explained to the national representation the reasons why the government is requesting this new extension.
“With a view to eradicating the rebels and restoring peace in this part of the country, President Felix Tshisekedi, by Order No. 21/015 of May 3, 2021, proclaimed a state of siege in the two aforementioned Provinces,” explained Samuel Bemba, Deputy Minister of Justice.
“Given that the objective sought by the establishment of this regime has not, to date, been fully achieved, the state of siege, in accordance with Article 144, paragraph 5 of the Constitution, in the absence of an enabling law from the Government, must be extended every two weeks since its establishment, with the authorization of Parliament, referred to it by His Excellency the President of the Republic, Head of State, after a decision by the Council of Ministers,” he continued.
“To date, it is common knowledge that the security situation in the east of the country remains worrying. Consequently, the extension of this exceptional regime is essential. It will allow, as in the past, our defense and security forces to continue to face the multiple attempted incursions and attacks by the AFC/M23,” he said
