Authorities urged to support Beni as North Kivu’s provisional capital

When Goma fell to AFC/M23 over a year ago, the city of Beni stepped in as North Kivu’s provisional capital, absorbing provincial government offices to maintain administrative continuity. Departments were relocated with little warning or preparatioN. THE REPORT revealed that working conditions remain difficult due to limited infrastructure and resources.

North Kivu’s governor established an interim administration in Beni to keep public services running, but this move was executed without sufficient funding, according to several administrative sources. Currently, the governor’s office operates from the town hall, while other provincial departments function in rented offices with inadequate facilities, complicating coordination and day-to-day work.

Many civil servants who fled Goma left their homes and belongings behind and now live in precarious conditions in Beni. Some employees, speaking anonymously, are urging the Congolese central government to provide greater support to both North Kivu and South Kivu, provinces strained by the ongoing conflict linked to AFC/M23.

The situation underscores the need for a more sustainable administrative setup. Observers say the central government should allocate emergency funding to improve office infrastructure in Beni, secure permanent accommodations for relocated services, and provide social assistance to displaced workers. Without such measures, Beni’s stopgap role as North Kivu’s capital may continue to hamper governance and leave public servants without the support they need.

SOURCE: RADIO OKAPI