The seventh edition of the 'Festival AlimenTerre' focused on alternatives to banned and dangerous pesticides and took place in the Kwilu province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Organized by FOPAKKM and CONAPAC with financial support from the Belgian NGO Broederlijk Delen, the festival aimed to raise awareness among agricultural producers and rural communities about the negative impacts of pesticides on human and environmental health. The event featured film screenings and discussions, highlighting the importance of sustainable and equitable agricultural models. Recommendations were made to the Congolese government, agricultural producers, and communities to combat the use of harmful pesticides.

The ENAFEP 2023 examination in Kwilu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, commenced on June 1, 2023, with 59,339 candidates, including 29,414 girls. The examination is conducted free of charge, with 330 centers established for the candidates. Key figures such as Justin Nsinga Vuvu, Godefroid Katutu, and Abe Ngiama played significant roles in the event, emphasizing the importance of the examination and the free education policy implemented by the government.

Traditional leaders in the Imbongo sector of Kwilu province, Democratic Republic of Congo, have called for unity to foster development in their region. Initiated by Judith Kimata Mumenga from the Ministry of Higher Education and University, the meeting aimed to address the lack of unity and identify urgent needs such as access to potable water, agricultural roads, healthcare facilities, and improved educational infrastructure. The leaders emphasized the importance of unity to achieve significant progress and elect representatives to defend their interests at national and provincial levels.

In Kikwit, a socio-political city in the Kwilu province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Civic Education Network in Congo (RECIC) in collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) and some civil society organizations evaluated voter identification and enrollment operations. The evaluation took place during a day of discussion and reflection on Wednesday, April 12, 2023. Positive aspects of the process were acknowledged, such as the actual occurrence of planned operations and the presence of technical supervisors to address machine issues. However, weaknesses were also identified, including poor-quality machines, insufficient machines at centers, and corruption among some applicants. Recommendations were made for improvements, including preceding voter operations with a census and extending the duration of operations to three months.

In 2022, the Kwilu province in the southwest of the Democratic Republic of the Congo recorded 14,787 tuberculosis cases, a 13 percent increase from the 12,780 cases detected in 2021. Dr. Willy Musantu, the provincial medical coordinator for Leprosy and Tuberculosis, reported that the cases include all forms of tuberculosis. The province achieved these results by establishing 104 tuberculosis diagnostic centers and implementing innovative approaches, such as trained nurses searching for patients within the community and the installation of Community Relays to direct suspected tuberculosis patients to diagnostic centers. Dr. Musantu called for society-wide involvement in the fight against tuberculosis.

The article discusses the efforts of the Network of Human Rights and Civic Education Organizations (RODHECIC) in Kikwit, Kwilu province, Democratic Republic of the Congo, to combat plastic pollution. Since November 2021, RODHECIC members have been collecting and incinerating plastic sachets in the city's municipalities with the support of local authorities. These actions are part of an awareness campaign to encourage the population to maintain a clean environment. The article highlights the environmental impact of plastic waste, noting that it takes centuries to degrade and contaminates the food chain. Despite a government ban on plastic bags and packaging in 2018, enforcement has been lax. The initiative by RODHECIC has been positively received by local residents, including a market vendor named Françoise Ikolongo.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has seen the emergence of a new political party, the Alliance of Christian Socialists (ASC), one year before the scheduled 2023 elections. The ASC, founded by former national deputy Willy Mubobo, aims to prioritize good governance and the social well-being of citizens. The party's official launch was held in Kikwit, Kwilu province, with various authorities and members in attendance. The ASC joins a crowded political landscape with nearly 600 parties. The party's secretary general, Agapit-Marius Ngayndam, emphasized the importance of citizen participation in democracy. Willy Mubobo criticized the current political climate for a lack of love between leaders and the people, and the use of power for personal enrichment. The ASC aspires to do politics differently by focusing on the people and being a positive force in the DRC.

The Democratic Republic of Congo's water company, REGIDESO, has inaugurated new drinking water production facilities in Kikwit, increasing production from 5500 to 16,000 cubic meters per day, now serving 63,000 households. The project, part of the PROCESEAU Program, was financially supported by Germany through KFW Bank, costing 21 million euros in Kikwit and 160 million euros nationwide. The initiative aims to improve water supply in secondary cities across the DRC and aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals. German cooperation, the project's promoter, and the consultants VSI-Afrique and WIETC were acknowledged for their roles. The improvement addresses the water scarcity that has led to deaths and waterborne diseases in the region.

Since 2021, the Democratic Republic of the Congo's central government has been progressively implementing a program to develop all 145 territories of the country. The 'Local Development Program of 145 Territories' includes construction of schools and health centers, with 82 projects planned in Nord-Kivu alone. In Mongala, infrastructure projects are managed by the UNDP, and in Kwango, agricultural road infrastructure is being rehabilitated. The program aims to reduce spatial inequalities and improve living conditions in rural areas, contributing to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. Despite previous strategies, over 70% of Congolese still live below the multidimensional poverty threshold, with significant disparities between urban and rural areas.

In the territory of Gungu, over 70 kilometers from Kikwit in the Kwilu province, a young man in a fit of anger killed his older brother with a machete. The incident, which occurred in Kamunga village on the night of March 1st to 2nd, 2023, was reported by the local civil society. The dispute was allegedly over a woman both brothers were pursuing. The event caused widespread panic in the village, with many fleeing their homes. The suspect is currently on the run, with police and security agents searching for him. The civil society president, Joachim Kusamba, has denounced the act and called for justice once the fugitive is apprehended.

A familial conflict in the Kwenge sector, 20 kilometers from Kikwit in Kwilu province, Democratic Republic of the Congo, resulted in the deaths of two people and the burning of over 20 houses. The conflict began with the death of a woman, leading her family to accuse and kill their uncle and another person. The village of Kikundu has been evacuated, with residents fleeing to the forest. The police have launched an investigation to find the eight suspects who fled. Local authorities are planning a meeting to address the situation and implement measures.

Six new priests and four deacons were ordained in the Diocese of Kikwit during a thanksgiving mass at Saint Francis Xavier Cathedral. The event was attended by local political, military, and police authorities. Bishop Timothée Modika emphasized the responsibilities of the new clergy and reiterated Pope Francis's recent messages to the clergy in Kinshasa. He also condemned 'spiritual mediocrity' and urged the community to pray for the newly ordained.

The Tribunal de Grande Instance de Kikwit has sentenced Mali Pembele and Mbangu Kilundu Allias Ewaso to life imprisonment for the assassination of Father Godefroid Pembele, who was shot dead on the night of August 6-7 at the Saint Mukasa parish. The verdict, delivered on October 27, also includes a $15,000 compensation to be paid to the civil party and additional sentences for assault and violent theft. Three other suspects were acquitted. The convicted have ten days to appeal the decision.

The Eglise du Christ au Congo (ECC/Grand Bandundu) has been actively assisting displaced people from Kwamouth by mobilizing funds and clothing through special church services. The most recent service was held on October 9, 2022, at the Communauté Union des Eglises Baptistes au Congo (CUEBC-Pungu) in Lukolela, attended by various community members and authorities. Reverend Antoine Kimbila emphasized the church's mission to help those in distress and urged Christians to be sensitive to others' suffering.

A Monkey Pox epidemic has been affecting the Lusanga health zone in the Bulungu territory for over three weeks, with four deaths among the 12 reported cases. The epicenter is the village of Kiongo Fioti, where the consumption of a dead monkey found in the forest is believed to have triggered the outbreak. Despite alarms raised by local officials, including Erasme Bula-Bula, Chief of the Kwenge sector, and Dr. Mungwele Ndombe Mbuta, the chief medical officer of the Lusanga health zone, there has been no intervention from either the national or provincial government. The Division provinciale de santé du Kwilu has been informed and is expected to notify Kinshasa for a response.

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, women are increasingly occupying leadership and decision-making positions in both public and private sectors, reflecting the spirit of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 5 and Resolution 1325. Women like Jeannette Kana-Kana and Nelly Mafuta hold significant roles in municipal governance, while others like Gandie Molisho and Hélène Sanduku lead in media organizations. The Union congolaise des femmes des médias (UCOFEM) has been instrumental in advocating for women's leadership, influenced by a 2013 gender monitoring report. Despite traditional customs that often place women in subordinate roles, progress is being made towards gender parity, with the support of organizations like the Association africaine de défense des droits de l’Homme. The UCOFEM has also published a directory of nearly 2000 female resources, with over 30% in leadership positions, indicating a significant step forward for women's empowerment in the DRC.

AMOLKA, a non-profit association with over 300 women, was officially launched in the Grand Bandundu province of southwest Democratic Republic of the Congo. The organization aims to empower women in various fields such as agriculture, education, science, economy, and law. The launch event was attended by political, military, and police authorities, as well as other guests. The association, which is not a political party, seeks to improve the social image of women in the Kwilu province and Grand Bandundu. AMOLKA was founded on February 15, 2022, and its mission includes supporting women and young girls in self-sufficiency, promoting social works, and assisting vulnerable individuals.

Since September 2015, the National Institute for Agronomic Study and Research (INERA) in Kiyaka, Kwilu province, southwest Democratic Republic of the Congo, in collaboration with Harvest Plus and IITA, has been promoting the 'Kindisa' cassava variety to farmers. This initiative includes distributing cuttings to agricultural households. Scientific research has shown that 'Kindisa' is rich in vitamin A, improving vision in over 60% of individuals consuming it and promoting growth in children aged zero to five. Pregnant and breastfeeding women can also benefit from its vitamin A content. The distribution of 'Kindisa' cuttings has reached several villages, with more scheduled to receive them, aiming to improve the nutritional status of the population. INERA's studies have confirmed 'Kindisa's adaptability to Kwilu's soil and climate, with a higher yield of tubers per stem, potentially enhancing the economic situation of rural communities.

Non-governmental development organizations in the Democratic Republic of Congo are undertaking reforestation actions to restore greenery and combat climate change. These efforts align with the Sustainable Development Goals and the Agenda 2063, even post-COVID-19. The AIPD has reforested 60 hectares across various sites in the Kwilu province since 2018, with financial support from 'Pain pour le monde' and the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (Jica). The MOCC has also been involved, planting over 5000 trees using innovative techniques. The Congolese government has its own initiatives, including a project to plant one billion trees by 2023. The reforestation projects across the country, including in the Kongo central and Haut Katanga provinces, are part of a broader commitment to sustainable development and green recovery post-COVID-19, as reaffirmed by African nations during the Eighth Regional Forum on Sustainable Development in March 2022.

The article discusses the political controversy surrounding the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), particularly the appointment of Dénis Kadima, who is seen as close to President Tshisekedi, as its head. Various groups, including the opposition, citizen structures, and churches, are demanding Kadima's removal to ensure the depoliticization of the upcoming 2023 elections. Despite protests and marches, the presidential camp maintains that the elections will proceed as planned. The article also touches on the budget allocation for the electoral process and the broader context of insecurity in the eastern part of the country. The opposition continues to seek international support for their cause, while human rights activists and churches call for credible elections.

Detainees in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are facing inhumane and degrading conditions in prisons, with issues such as disease, asphyxiation, malnutrition, death, and humiliation. Human rights activists, lawyers, and civil society are concerned about the situation. The central prison in Kikwit, built in 1930, is overcrowded and dilapidated, with insufficient medical supplies and sanitation facilities. Despite budget proposals for refurbishment, no funds have been provided by the government or partners. Detainees rely on the generosity of churches for food. Similar conditions are reported in other parts of the country, including Kinshasa, Bulungu, and Lubumbashi. The United Nations and NGOs like the Fondation Bill Clinton pour la Paix and Avocat sans frontière have highlighted the dire health and sanitary conditions in Congolese prisons, with the latter noting a regular 400% overpopulation. Calls for improved conditions and adherence to the law, rather than torture, have been made by human rights organizations.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, smallholder farmers are increasing their harvests through the Farmer Field School (FFS) program, an initiative by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO). The program educates farmers on agricultural techniques and allows them to implement new methods in a practical setting. Farmers compare traditional practices with new techniques on their plots, leading to significant increases in production. For example, the Farmer’s Frame of Idiofa group increased their sweet potato yield from eight to 30 tonnes after participating in FFS. The World Bank notes that DRC farmers are vulnerable to climate impacts and external shocks, but the government is committed to a green revolution to reduce rural poverty. The FFS program has reached about two million smallholder farmers across the country, contributing to the country's food security.

The article discusses the severe humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), highlighting the plight of internally displaced persons (IDPs), especially women and children, who face violence, health issues, and lack of basic necessities. Nearly two million people were displaced in 2017, and the country is experiencing the worst cholera epidemic in 15 years. The crisis has escalated due to political instability and the presence of numerous armed groups. Humanitarian organizations are struggling to meet the growing needs, with a funding appeal of 1.68 billion dollars launched for 2018. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and other agencies are working to provide assistance, but access is hindered by insecurity. The article calls for international attention and aid to prevent fatal consequences for the DRC and potentially the region.

Over 300 former combatants from Bandundu province in southwest Democratic Republic of the Congo are engaging in agriculture and livestock farming to ensure their social reintegration and contribute to food security. Ex-military personnel from the Forces armées de la RDC (FARDC) and other groups have received training and equipment, allowing them to produce significant quantities of crops and livestock. The National Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration Program, supported by the World Bank and FAO, has facilitated this transition. The initiative aligns with the provincial and national government's emphasis on agriculture as a top priority. While some locals express concerns about the integration of well-trained former soldiers, military officials assure that they are disciplined and will abide by the law.

The article discusses the development of strategies by governments and civil society organisations in Central Africa to combat the effects of climate change, particularly in the Congo basin. It highlights the decline in agricultural yields due to climate change and the initiatives such as PANA-ASA and PARSAR aimed at improving agricultural output and reforestation. The article also mentions the role of the United Nations Development Programme, the African Development Bank, and various NGOs in these efforts. It addresses the challenges posed by armed conflict in the region, which exacerbates environmental degradation. The article further discusses regional efforts like COFCCA and initiatives in Gabon and Burundi to monitor forests and counter deforestation. Despite these efforts, the article suggests that the current measures are insufficient to produce the desired results in mitigating climate change effects.