The city of Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, is in turmoil following the demonstrations taking place in the city. Political parties, whether opposition or majority, have been authorized by the governor of the city, Gentiny Ngobila. However, the two sides were given different routes, leading to disputes.
According to the authorities, the UDPS, the presidential party, should start its march from Rond-point Ngaba to the first rue Limete. As for the opposition parties such as ECiDé, LGD, Ensemble pour la République and Envol, their route starts from the Sakombi roundabout in the commune of Ngaliema to go to the YMCA field in the commune of Kalamu via the Kasa-vubu Avenue and Victory Square.
The opposition accuses the governor of Kinshasa, Gentiny Ngobila, of playing with fire, while the latter insists that all demonstrations have been authorized. The situation is particularly tense because the opposition is convinced that President Félix Tshisekedi and the CENI (Independent National Electoral Commission) are preparing electoral fraud.
Members of the opposition demand a requalification of the electoral process by setting up a truly independent electoral center and a neutral Constitutional Court. They are also calling for an external audit of the electoral roll to be conducted by a reputable international firm.
As political parties take to the streets, the Democratic Republic of Congo faces other challenges as well. The World Bank has suspended its financing, leaving the country in a precarious and complex situation. However, development projects are underway, such as the restructuring of the DRC social fund as well as the special economic zone of Musienene which is making great strides towards industrialization.
In addition, East Africa is strengthening its regional strength with the arrival of General Kiugu to deal with the instability in this region. Military cooperation between Belgium and Congo is also underway to deal with the threat of M23 terrorism.
Improving financial governance also remains a concern for the government of Félix Tshisekedi. The UDPS wants the resignation of the governor of Kasai Oriental in the DRC to improve contested financial governance.
Finally, the United Nations report reveals a 12% increase in human rights violations in the DRC in March 2023.
The Democratic Republic of Congo faces many challenges, whether political, economic or security. However, the situation could improve with better governance and effective regional cooperation.