The Congolese political scene is once again making headlines. This time, the Dynamique des Mouvements Citoyens de la République Démocratique du Congo sounded the alarm in a press release published on Thursday 1 June. She denounced electoral pressure and the restriction of civic space in the country, calling them “dangerous” for the nation.
Several Congolese civic organizations, including LUCHA, Filimbi, Congolese Standing and Movement Justice in Action, have expressed concern about the ongoing electoral process. They believe that the controversial establishment of the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), the promulgation of a tailor-made electoral law and the debate on the law on the distribution of seats illustrate that the CENI and the power in place lead the electoral process without taking into account the opinions and demands of all stakeholders, in particular the opposition and civil society.
The citizens’ movements recommended the suspension of the examination of the bill on the distribution of seats to build a consensus around the electoral register and the whole electoral process. They also called on the international community to stand on the side of the Congolese people and to take targeted sanctions against political and military leaders who violate public freedoms through repression.
In terms of security and justice, the International Criminal Court is investigating crimes against humanity in Ituri province, while transporters have suspended transport on routes leading to the former eastern province due to growing insecurity in the region.
However, there is more positive news, such as the organization of the Salon des jeunes entrepreneurs congolais, which offered a day of inspiration, exchanges and funding. In addition, 52,784 finalist students passed the ENAFEP 2023 edition in Kasai, demonstrating the solidity of education in the DRC.
Although political and security issues remain at the forefront of Congolese news, it is important to note significant progress in the economic and educational field.