DR Congo To Relieve Restrictions in Conflict Areas.

The Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has said that they will reduce restrictions imposed in two provinces in the conflict-hit east where a state of siege has been in force since 2021.

President Felix Tshisekedi said this during a televised address on Thursday evening, that the government has decided on a gradual and progressive easing of restrictions in North Kivu and Ituri.

The state of siege was imposed in 2021 in order to suppress unrest in the region.

The president said that lifting the restrictions would allow the free movement of people and goods as well as restore the right to peaceful demonstration and assembly.

"This is all the more important as the various players involved in the electoral process are entitled to participate fully and without hindrance," he said.

The stage of siege has been criticised by human rights groups who say it has led to mass detentions and restrictions on movement.

This announcement is coming months before the general elections, to be held on 20 December, in which the president is seeking re-election.