In this interview, Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde Kyenge rejects suspicions of a "slip" in the electoral calendar and affirms that the general elections will indeed take place as planned in 2023.
DR Congo's prime minister refuses the opposition's call for dialogue over the electoral commission, stressing that parliament is in charge of these issues.
He also dismisses any risk of protest and violence around the elections, stressing that a clear majority supports the regime, unlike previous elections.
Regarding the situation in the east of the country, he explained that consultations are underway with the armed groups in order to engage them in a process of demobilization and disarmament.
Asked about the M23 rebels and the suspicion of support they would receive from neighboring Rwanda, he said that "it is normal that there may be suspicions" because of the past.
But Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde Kyenge adds that the questions of its financing and its armament are addressed within the framework of regional cooperation, and that Rwanda provides answers on this subject.
The Prime Minister of the DR Congo refuses to see a failure in the state of siege still in place in the regions of Ituri and North Kivu for a year.
He says he has made recommendations, following his recent visit to the east of the country, to move to a new stage - the details of which will be revealed in the coming days.
Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde Kyenge suggests that the area affected by this state of siege could be reduced.
According to him, the consequences of the war in Ukraine on the economy of his country should be curbed.
Separately, he rejects accusations that DR Congo granted impunity to Israeli businessman Dan Gertler in return for handing over his mining and oil assets in the country, saying it is in the interest of the country to recover these riches.
The summary of the
France 24 week invites you to come back to the news that marked the week
I subscribe
Take international news everywhere with you!
Download the France 24 app
google-play-badge_EN