Kisangani, May 29th, 2025(CPA) – The Grande Orientale consultation and cooperation framework will enable common and specific problems in all areas to be identified and dealt with, the governor of Tshopo, in the north-east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), said on Thursday at a meeting being held in Isiro, the capital of Haut-Uélé.
‘This permanent framework will help us to identify and deal with the various common and specific problems in the political, security, administrative and infrastructure sectors, by proposing possible solutions’, said Paulin Lendongolia, provincial governor. With a view to regional cohesion, the number one of Tshopo announced the introduction of a structured program of inter-provincial activities.
‘To strengthen the unity of Grande Orientale, we are going to have a program of regular meetings and activities to be carried out in a methodical way’, he said, correcting an unfortunate formulation about the nature of the activities mentioned. The Tshopo Chief Executive also called for a formal cooperation mechanism to be set up between the provincial entities of the former Orientale Province, before raising the issue of fiscal cooperation and integrated development. Finally, he placed particular emphasis on fiscal solidarity and economic interdependence between the sister provinces.
‘The aim is to define a legal framework for consultation with the Governors concerned. It is within these frameworks that we will amicably settle existing boundary disputes, strengthen cooperation in various areas, including the exemption and joint management of certain taxes, consolidate our relations and work together to promote the emergence and development of the other side of the former Orientale Province’, he noted. The Isiro meeting marks an important step towards redefining inter-provincial relations in the Grande Orientale area. The meetings, driven by a clear desire for cooperation, should lead to concrete resolutions for the well-being of the people and the revival of regional development. CPA/