The political climate is increasingly tense in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) a few months before the general elections. The bishops of the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) recently denounced the “deplorable decline” of the rule of law in the country. In particular, they pointed to the repression of opposition demonstrations, arbitrary arrests, the instrumentalization of justice and political intolerance.
In recent weeks, several opponents have been arrested and their residences searched by the security services. The bishops also deplore the acts of violence and intimidation of which they themselves were victims during a pastoral visit last June.
Faced with this situation, the opposition has decided to mobilize to demand fair and transparent elections. Demonstrations were organized by opposition leaders to denounce a “chaotic electoral process”. Unfortunately, the police and security forces brutally repressed one of these demonstrations, arousing the indignation of several national and international organizations.
Beyond the political situation, the DRC must also face other challenges, such as armed violence in certain provinces, human trafficking and sexual violence in sports.
Despite these difficulties, there are reasons for hope. The country has recently launched an awareness campaign against human trafficking and sexual violence in sport, and the national police have been strengthened in some provinces.
All of these issues show that the DRC needs support and solidarity to move forward on the path to development and peace.