Kinshasa, October 13th, 2026 (CPA).-The Senate of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) unanimously voted to extend the state of siege in the eastern provinces of Ituri and North Kivu once again, during a plenary session held on Tuesday at the People’s Palace in Kinshasa, the CPA observed.
“Of the 109 senators making up the Senate, 74 took part in the vote, none voted against the measure and there were no abstentions,” said Jean-Michel Sama, President of the Senate, following the roll-call vote. Earlier, Minister of State in charge of Justice Guillaume Ngefa presented the main points of the bill. “Adopting this text is a crucial step, an act of responsibility and patriotism aimed at ensuring stability and protecting the population, which require the continuation of operations by the Defense and Security Forces. Since the desired peace has not yet been restored, it is imperative that the defense forces continue their operations,” he said.
The text, which has already been adopted by the National Assembly, will be forwarded to the President of the Republic for promulgation. Declared on May 3rd, 2021, by President Félix Tshisekedi, the state of siege is intended to strengthen efforts to combat armed groups operating in the provinces of Ituri and North Kivu.This exceptional regime notably provides for the strengthening of military and security measures to restore peace, protect civilians and re-establish state authority in areas affected by violence.