Tension is rising in the Democratic Republic of Congo as general elections scheduled for December 2023 draw near. The electoral process has been described as chaotic by a section of the opposition who have launched demonstrations against what they consider to be a new electoral hold-up in favor of the current President Tshisekedi. The first peaceful demonstration organized on May 20 was repressed, sparking a wave of indignation both nationally and internationally.
Social networks have played an important role in the dissemination of images showing the disproportionate use of force by the Congolese national police. The former coordinator of the National Monitoring Mechanism of the Addis Ababa Framework Agreement, Claude Ibalanky, wondered on Twitter if a restriction of access to social networks would not be necessary for national security reasons, as is the practice in China and elsewhere.
Internet restriction has already been practiced by the Congolese government under former President Joseph Kabila. In December 2018, internet and SMS access was cut off in the aftermath of the general election, when internet users began posting projections of counting results on Twitter and WhatsApp.
This shows how social networks have a real impact on politics, security and the march of the country. Networks of cartels have formed, with the complicity of foreign services and business lobbies, to influence the masses negatively.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is currently torn between significant political, economic and social progress, and major challenges still to be met concerning security, justice, the food crisis and the representation of women in the consolidation of peace. Despite the challenges, positive initiatives are also emerging, such as the fair for young Congolese entrepreneurs or the organization of the national aptitude exam for primary school teachers.
Overall, the DRC is at a critical juncture in its history and it is essential to closely monitor ongoing political developments and ensure that the electoral process is conducted in a peaceful and fair manner.