The armed forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has arrested several army officials on charges of treason in the country's southeastern city of Lubumbashi and the capital city of Kinshasa.
The army's Chief of Staff, General Christian Tshiwewe, announced the arrests before a military parade took place in Kinshasa on Monday. According to Tshiwewe, the arrested officers are accused of collaborating with rebel groups.
The move has been broadly welcomed by many residents in the DRC, though some pointed to some of the deep-lying problems facing the country.
"We congratulate the army for arresting those soldiers but there is a deeper problem in our country. Our leaders are oppressing us by keeping us in poverty. That is what is motivating some of our soldiers to work with rebels," said Andre Bomanza, a local resident of Kinshasa.
Another resident urged for much tougher punishments to be introduced to prevent acts of treason, even calling for a return to some of the hard-line measures of the past.
"Cases of treachery have become common in our army because the law is not tough. They should start shooting those traitors by firing squad like it used it be in the days of former President Mobutu," said local man Malejean-Pierre Mwamba.
Last month, the DRC government lifted a moratorium on the death penalty, which had been designed to deter soldiers from working with rebels.
Back in January, the DRC military announced it had launched an offensive mainly targeting the M23 March Movement (M23) rebels which occupy several areas in the territory of Masisi and Rutshuru, both located in the North Kivu province.
The M23 rebels are also at the heart of some of the diplomatic clashes between the DRC and neigboring Rwanda. DRC authorities accuse Rwanda of supporting M23 rebels, with Rwanda denying these allegations, a charge which is also refuted by the rebellion's spokesman.
Several DR Congo army officers arrested on charges of treason
On his second official visit to China, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu Charlot Salwai expressed admiration for China's remarkable ability to balance preserving its cultural heritage with embracing innovative transformation.
Salwai paid an official visit to China from July 7 to 12. During his trip, he toured the southern province of Guangdong and explored the megacities of Beijing and Shanghai. His visit included tours of high-tech companies, a ride on a high-speed train, and a performance of traditional Cantonese opera.
In an interview with China Central Television Network (CCTV) aired on Friday, Salwai recounted his journey starting with a warm welcome that included enjoying Beijing Roast Duck, also known as Peking Duck -- a culinary delight introduced to him by the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu.
"Many had to say. Peking Duck. Because we had it here on our arrival, so it was very tasty. And I understand that the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu brought us to one of the traditional restaurants, small but beautiful," he said. The prime minister sees China's preservation of its culture as a vital lesson in understanding one's roots and the journey to the present day, acknowledging China's efforts to integrate cultural preservation with modernization.
"It's going to be my second official visit to China. I'm always impressed to see big changes and especially innovations made by China and especially the cities. Because a big impression is to see how China continues to maintain and keep its culture. Because I think it's the basis of everything -- to know where you come from and to understand where we are today. I feel that China is doing a lot to maintain its culture, but at the same time, doing, innovating to transform its culture,” Salwai said.
He also emphasized the importance of learning from China's sustainable development strategies.
"Today, it comes from a long way, some hardship, the government, and also the people of China. So, I'm impressed to see what is done, especially how China associates infrastructure development with nature. That's meant to keep, continue to keep the environment. It takes effort with the climate change by maintaining the ecosystem. I think it's something that, for a small country like Vanuatu, is important to learn. So, we are here. I'm here with my delegation to learn," Salwai said.
Vanuatu's PM commends China's cultural preservation, innovation amid fast growth
