In a joint statement, the chancelleries of the Western countries traditional partners of Kinshasa welcomed the efforts made by the CENI in view of the upcoming electoral process in the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, this congratulation is quickly qualified by a number of caveats, showing that Western chancelleries remain concerned about the inclusiveness of the electoral process.
Concretely, they recommend that the CENI engage in full transparency and responsiveness, in dialogue with all stakeholders. The chancelleries are also asking for an internal cleaning of the electoral register and an independent and transparent audit to build the confidence of all stakeholders.
According to some observers, the real opposition, of all tendencies, does not take part in the current electoral process, which does not contribute to giving an image of inclusiveness. It is therefore difficult to bet on peaceful elections with a broader socio-political base.
Moreover, recent opposition protests have prompted a violent response from the authorities, leading to restrictions on freedom of movement and arbitrary arrests. The chancelleries reiterated their concerns about the excessive use of force, but that did not stop these restrictions from continuing.
In the east of the country, armed conflicts continue, despite the departure of the M23, which makes it difficult to envisage lasting stability, although the government is committed to the country’s development and economic stability.
Overall, the situation remains fragile, plagued by confrontations between armed groups, and the electoral process does not seem to contain the necessary guarantees to allow the holding of inclusive and peaceful elections.