The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo remains committed to launching the second General Population and Housing Census (RGPH2) in July 2027, despite various challenges, including security concerns and operational issues. According to Guylain Nyembo, Minister of State for Planning and Coordination of Development Aid, the government has made significant progress in preparations and aims to finalize the process by 2027. This census is crucial for the country, which has not conducted a national census since 1984.
The briefing held on September 28 provided an update on the census preparations and addressed concerns about potential disruptions, particularly in insecure areas. Minister Nyembo emphasized that the government is working with international partners, such as the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), to ensure the quality and reliability of the census. The government is also exploring the use of technology to reach remote and inaccessible areas, leveraging tools that have been successfully used in other countries.
One of the key challenges facing the census is the security situation in certain regions of the country. The government is working to address these concerns, but Minister Nyembo stressed that they do not consider the security constraints to be insurmountable. He noted that some preparatory operations have already been conducted in insecure areas, and the government is committed to moving forward with the census.
The government aims to avoid coinciding the census with the 2028 electoral deadlines to prevent potential confusion and ensure a smooth process. By completing the census in 2027, the government hopes to provide accurate and reliable data for the country's development and management. Minister Nyembo highlighted the importance of having up-to-date information on the population, emphasizing that this data will enable the government to make informed decisions.
In addition to addressing security concerns and operational challenges, the government is also working to raise awareness and encourage public support for the census. Minister Nyembo called on Congolese citizens to view the census as an essential tool for improving the country's knowledge and management. He emphasized that the census will provide valuable insights into the population, enabling the government to develop targeted policies and programs.
The launch of the census cartography operations in Kinshasa marks a significant milestone in the preparations. For one month, cartographers will work to map the city's neighborhoods, identifying and geolocating buildings, households, and infrastructure, and delimiting census areas. This exercise will establish a geographic database to support the census and ensure accurate data collection.
The government has expressed its commitment to pursuing preparations for the census, while also developing contingency plans to address potential security or operational constraints. With the support of international partners and the engagement of Congolese citizens, the government aims to successfully conduct the census and provide reliable data for the country's development.
Key points
- The DR Congo government is committed to conducting the second General Population and Housing Census (RGPH2) in July 2027.
- The census faces challenges, including security concerns and operational issues, but the government is working to address these concerns.
- The government aims to avoid coinciding the census with the 2028 electoral deadlines to ensure a smooth process.
