The DR Congo government revealed on Saturday its intention to “monitor” international humanitarian organizations, citing security concerns in a country that has been facing the challenges of armed conflict.
Government spokesman Patrick Muyaya told state broadcaster RTNC that President Felix Tshisekedi has received multiple reports indicating security concerns related to certain humanitarian institutions operating in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In response, he suggested conducting inspections on non-governmental organizations operating within Kenya’s borders to ensure their activities align with the prevailing laws and regulations.
Muyaya said it is “Unacceptable that there are abnormal connections either in the sources of funding or in the supervision of certain NGOs by expatriate staff with a military or paramilitary background, which gives rise to legitimate suspicion that there is a real risk that some NGOs, under the guise of humanitarian activities, will engage in or contribute to subversive actions on national territory.”
While refraining from naming specific organizations, Muyaya emphasized that the newly proposed measures would specifically target changes in the activities and geographical areas of operation of NGOs.
DR Congo hosts numerous international humanitarian organizations, with a significant presence in the eastern part of the country. This region has been deeply affected by violence, including prolonged rebellions, spanning nearly three decades.