Kinshasa, July 6th, 2026 (CPA). – The establishment of effective mechanisms to prevent and resolve institutional crises was advocated on Monday during the opening of the first extraordinary session of the Conference of Presidents of Provincial Assemblies of the Democratic Republic of Congo (COPAP-DRC) in Kinshasa.« In order to enable our provinces to address the challenges related to governance, institutional stability and the effective mobilization of resources, our proceedings will focus on four priority areas. First, proposing effective mechanisms to prevent and resolve institutional crises, » said Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde, Speaker of the Senate. He added that the conference would also seek to « conduct a frank assessment of governance in our provinces; harmonize our actions to better defend provincial interests at the national level; and strengthen the capacities of provincial lawmakers to promote local governance that remains close to the people. » According to Mr. Lukonde, the resurgence of the Ebola virus outbreak in the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu remains a major concern affecting not only the provinces directly concerned but the entire nation.
In the center, the Speaker of the Senate stands alongside the Deputy Prime Minister in charge of Internal Affairs
The Senate Speaker commended the Head of State for his continued efforts to strengthen decentralization in the country, while noting that the conference is taking place at a particularly significant moment in the nation’s history. « In the eastern part of our country, the aggression perpetrated by the M23 terrorist movement, supported by Rwanda, continues to hamper the proper functioning of the Provincial Assemblies of North Kivu and South Kivu. This situation remains a major concern for the entire nation, » he said. He further noted that the ongoing debate on constitutional and institutional reforms, together with Parliament’s consideration of the related legislation and the prospect of organizing a referendum, calls for careful reflection by the Democratic Republic of Congo. « Furthermore, several of our provinces continue to experience recurring crises between Provincial Assemblies and Provincial Executive authorities. I hope that this conference will produce strong resolutions, practical recommendations and a firm commitment to making decentralization a tangible reality throughout the country, » the Senate President said. « As President of the Senate, I assure you, as I have always done during our meetings with the Presidents of Provincial Assemblies, that the Senate will remain your privileged partner. I will convey your resolutions to the Government and ensure their follow-up. You have my commitment, » he concluded.