一 | GOMA, Congo -- Congo's president said he will gradually ease the state of military rule in the conflict-riddled east and lift some restrictions imposed more than two years ago. Speaking to the nation Thursday, President Felix Tshisekedi said there would be a gradual easing of the state of siege in North Kivu and Ituri provinces, which includes ending a curfew, allowing peaceful demonstrations and for people to live normal lives.The announcement comes more than two months ahead of presidential elections, when Tshisekedi hopes to secure a second term. He implemented the state of siege in 2021, allowing military and police to take control from civilian institutions, in an attempt to stem rising violence.More than 120 armed groups are fighting in the region, mostly for land and control of mines with valuable minerals, while some groups are trying to protect their communities.“I have taken the firm resolution to lead the populations of the provinces of Ituri and North Kivu towards a gradual and progressive easing of the regime and the restriction of the state of siege,” said Tshisekedi.Civil society and rights groups have criticized the state of siege, accusing security forces of exploiting their power against the population.“It has failed in its stated purpose of rapidly improving the security situation. Military authorities have instead used their extraordinary powers to further undermine people’s rights with impunity, including freedoms of expression and assembly, and the right to justice,” said Amnesty International.Despite military rule, violence in the region has continued and intensified. At least one militia linked to the Islamic State group has expanded its presence, while rebel groups such as M23 have seized towns, displacing tens of thousands of people. The United States Embassy in Congo said Thursday that it was greatly concerned about the increased violence in North Kivu province, where M23 is active, and the ensuing loss of lives and displacement. It called on the government to redouble its efforts to protect civilians. ———Kamale reported from Kinshasa。 The release of Balakrishna's upcoming film Akhanda 2 has come to an unexpected halt after a major legal issue surfaced in the Madras High Court. Eros International filed a petition arguing that the makers of Akhanda 2 were attempting to bypass an unpaid arbitral award of Rs 27.7 crore, which has remained unsettled till date since July 2019. Financial matters, bone of contention Apparently, the dispute arises from an arbitral award passed in July 2019 in favour of Eros International against 14 Reels Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. The Court directed the production house (14 Reels) to pay Rs 27,70,97,298 along with interest. But Eros informed the court that not a single rupee had been paid in the four years following the judgement. Eros further argued that 14 Reels Plus LLP, an affiliate company linked to the same promoters of Akhanda 2, was readying to release Akhanda 2 as a means to evade the payment of the original arbitral verdict. Since the payment has not been cleared, Eros asked the Court to halt the release of Akhanda 2 in theatres or on digital or satellite platforms. After reviewing the petition, the court issued a temporary injunction order stopping all release activities related to Akhanda 2. This means the film cannot be screened, streamed, promoted, or monetized in any way until the dispute is settled. Film bookings kept on hold Eros says it has been waiting for the producers to honour and clear the payment that was agreed upon earlier. Because the amount involved is significant, the company insists that business cannot continue until the old financial matters are resolved. The unexpected blow to Akhanda 2 has caused concern among fans who were eagerly waiting for updates on the sequel. The Nizam bookings of the film have also been kept on hold. The court would revisit the matter after both parties present complete information. Only after a final decision is made will the future of Akhanda 2 become clear. Akhanda 2 is slated for release on December 5, 2025.Also Read: Did Ram Charan Reportedly Locked Sukumar’s Script in Dubai? Here’s What We Know。
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