North Kivu: the new session of the provincial assembly opens under a state of siege, without the participation of the elected representatives from Rutshuru and Masisi.

The newly elected members of the North Kivu Provincial Assembly opened the special installation session of this 3rd legislature on Friday, February 23.

This ceremony was chaired by the director of the administration of the North Kivu Provincial Assembly, Desire Masumbuko Kubuya.

He first proceeded with the installation of the bureau of elders, which acts as the provisional office of this deliberative body.

This board is composed of 3 deputies, the eldest being Kambale Nzungundi Daniel elected from Goma, assisted by Kambale Kibakose Moise and Katembo Mufungula, the two youngest elected members of the assembly.

Despite this installation, the North Kivu Provincial Assembly will not be able to function normally because this province is currently under a state of siege and the territories of Rutshuru and Masisi have not been able to elect their provincial deputies due to the war.

Out of a total of 48 deputies, only 30 were elected during the December 2023 elections, of which 26 were present this Friday.

The installed bureau of elders has various roles, including the validation of mandates and the co-optation of customary chiefs designated by their peers.

This provisional office will also adopt the internal regulations and establish the definitive office, according to the administrative office of the North Kivu Provincial Assembly.