The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is set to embark on its second general census, 42 years after the first one was conducted in 1984. The exercise, known as RGPH2, aims to cover the entire population, including those living in areas affected by insecurity and displacement. The census is crucial for understanding the country's demographic, social, and territorial realities, which will inform development planning.
During a press briefing on September 28, the government's spokesperson, Patrick Muyaya, addressed concerns about the security challenges in some parts of the country, particularly in areas occupied by armed groups such as ADF, CODECO, and CRP, as well as territories under the control of the M23 rebellion. Muyaya assured that the government is committed to reaching all Congolese citizens, regardless of their location. He emphasized that the census is a national exercise that concerns all citizens, including those living in Goma and Bukavu.
The government has already begun preparatory operations for the census, including mapping and data collection. Muyaya stressed that the exercise is essential for understanding the country's needs and improving development planning. He added that the government is working to mobilize resources to support the census, which is estimated to cost $192 million. A "Basket Fund" has been established to centralize contributions from partners and ensure the smooth implementation of the exercise.
One of the significant challenges facing the census is the security situation in some parts of the country. The government, however, is determined to push forward with the exercise, which is expected to take place in July 2027. The census will provide critical data on the population, including those living in displacement camps. Muyaya emphasized that the government wants to ensure that all citizens are counted, including those in hard-to-reach areas.
The RGPH2 is part of President Félix Tshisekedi's commitment to improving the country's development and addressing the needs of its population. The exercise is also expected to provide insights into the country's demographic trends, which will inform policy decisions. The government has been working with partners to ensure that the census is conducted in a transparent and inclusive manner.
The census will also provide an opportunity for the government to address the needs of vulnerable populations, including those living in displacement camps. Muyaya emphasized that the government is committed to ensuring that all citizens are counted and that their needs are taken into account in development planning. The exercise is expected to be completed within the next 12 months.
The government has called on citizens to participate in the census, which is expected to be a significant milestone in the country's development. The exercise will provide critical data that will inform policy decisions and development planning for years to come.
Key points
- The DR Congo government is set to conduct a nationwide census, despite security challenges in some parts of the country.
- The census, which is estimated to cost $192 million, aims to provide critical data on the population and inform development planning.
- The government has established a "Basket Fund" to centralize contributions from partners and ensure the smooth implementation of the exercise.
