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    June 15, 2011

Governor of DRC's North Kivu Province under Pressure to Resign

   Peter Clottey
   Map of North Kivu and South Kivu in Democratic Republic of the Congo
   Residents in the DRC's North Kivu province are demanding the
   resignation of their governor

   The governor of the Democratic Republic of Congo's North Kivu province
   is facing increased pressure to leave office.

   Area resident Oda Kabetsi says people in the region blame Governor
   Julien Paluku Kahongya for the poor infrastructural development and
   high youth unemployment in their province.

   'There is no infrastructural development as you can see here. They
   destroyed the only main road we had and now there is nothing,' said
   Kabetsi. 'There is dust everywhere and people do not know how to
   manage.'

   The main road in the provincial capital Goma has been under
   construction for some time. Residents say the project's delay is
   causing health risks and hampering burgeoning businesses in the area.

   For the past few weeks, North Kivu residents have demanded the
   resignation of Governor Kahongya and his entire administration for
   failing to provide adequate security in the area. They have vowed to
   continue their efforts until their demands are met.

   President Joseph Kabila has dispatched a fact-finding mission to help
   resolve the impasse in the province. Residents say they have yet to see
   the results of the commission's work.

   Kabetsi said those demanding the resignation of the governor have
   legitimate grievances.

   'Like this problem of water and electricity. Like in my house now there
   has been no water in the last month.' said Kabetsi.

   But, Lambert Mende, Congo's information minister said the resignation
   demands is a calculated attempt by opponents of the provincial governor
   to undermine his administration ahead of the general elections,
   scheduled for November.

   'It is the provincial opposition that is attacking the provincial
   government. So, it is democracy as usual,' said Mende.

   He said his government's efforts have resulted in 'major' improvement
   in the security situation in North Kivu province.