Decentralization in North Kivu: Kasindi Becomes Rural Commune, Oicha Elevated to City

The administrative map of North Kivu, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is undergoing a major transformation as Kasindi-Lubirigha is now a rural commune and Oicha has officially been recognized as a city. These changes, effective June 19, are part of the government's broader decentralization policy designed to bolster local governance and empower communities.

In Oicha, located about 30 kilometers from Beni city, Faustin Siluhwere was inaugurated as the first mayor of the newly formed city. Emmanuel Kaalumba Kahindo will serve as his deputy. The ceremony, presided over by the provincial coordinator for administration, decentralization, and customary affairs, took place at the former commune office. Mayor Siluhwere emphasized security as a top priority, vowing to restore peace and stability in a region persistently challenged by insecurity.

Simultaneously, at the Congolese-Ugandan border, Kasindi, a hub of intense economic activity, also ascended to a new administrative level. The newly designated rural commune of Kasindi-Lubirigha welcomed its first local authorities, with Gilbert Bwambale Mughanirya appointed as mayor and Baraka Sau Muhindo as his deputy. This elevation is strategically significant for the border entity, which plays a crucial role in trade between the DRC and Uganda.

Beyond the symbolic shift, these new administrative statuses are expected to unlock new opportunities for development. The entities will now possess greater autonomy, allowing them to formulate and execute their own development strategies. This transition is also anticipated to enhance local capabilities in security, public service management, and infrastructure improvement, addressing long-standing regional challenges.

This administrative overhaul is the culmination of a process initiated in 2013, spanning nearly 13 years. It aligns with the Congolese authorities' commitment to decentralization, aiming to bring governance closer to the populace and respond more effectively to local needs. With these enhanced entities, North Kivu anticipates a strengthened territorial governance and an impetus for development, despite the prevailing complex context.

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