Congo’s 'state of siege' will struggle to deliver

Significance

The attacks came a month after President Felix Tshisekedi imposed a ‘state of siege’ on the two provinces, placing them under military control to rein in violence.

Impacts

• Military rule may increase violations of human rights, including freedom of expression; this could trigger protests.
• The eruption of Mount Nyiragongo near Goma will distract attention from security operations and complicate logistics.
• Efforts to enlist regional military support could add a powerful new dynamic into operations, but could also aggravate popular tensions.