Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) : Traditional Chiefs applaud president Félix Tshisekedi’s efforts in nation building

During a meeting with the Head of State, Félix Tshisekedi, traditional leaders from Grand Bandundu, Grand Kivu, and Grand Kasaï discussed the management of customary affairs and the country’s security situation.

Regarding the management of customary affairs, the discussions led to the idea of creating an autonomous ministry responsible for these matters, which would no longer be under the Ministry of the Interior.

The objective is to have experts in the field within the government who will be responsible for these issues and work towards promoting customs and traditions.

This department will collaborate with the Ministry of Culture to address certain challenges faced by the country, as African opinion today advocates a return to roots to solve the deep crises facing African societies.

Regarding the security crisis in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), all the traditional leaders present at the meeting urged President Félix Tshisekedi to strengthen efforts for a swift and definitive return to peace in this part of the country and across the entire national territory.

For these custodians of customs, land is precious, and therefore, everything must be done to reclaim territories controlled by the M23 rebels. « As natives, we cannot accept losing our land », said Armand Ibanda, Chief of Grand Bandundu.