Political tension in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) remains high ahead of the presidential elections scheduled for December 2023. Many recent events contribute to this tense situation.
On June 5, 2023, the military intelligence services communicated on the arrest of Salomon Idi Kalonda, special adviser to Moïse Katumbi. The latter is first accused of possessing a firearm during the opposition demonstration on May 20. He was then arrested at Ndjili airport as he was preparing to leave Kinshasa with Moïse Katumbi.
In addition, Salomon Idi Kalonda is accused of wanting to overthrow the power in place in the DRC and of trying to install a Katangese national there. The security services also report that the accused was in regular contact with officers of the M23/RDF terrorist movement, and that he was secured by elements of the Congolese armed force, some of whom were allegedly involved in the acquisition of weapons. of war for Salomon Idi Kalonda.
However, this arrest is denounced by several opposition voices who see it as a political maneuver in the run-up to the December 2023 elections.
The DRC must face other challenges, such as the humanitarian situation and security in certain regions. North Kivu, in particular, was the scene of a new terrorist attack on the same day as Kalonda’s arrest, underlining the need to continue efforts to restore peace in the region.
Despite these challenges, positive initiatives are emerging in the DRC, such as the work launched to put an end to soil erosion in Kasai, or the holding of the Africa Cup of Nations scheduled for January 2024 in Côte d’Ivoire.
However, faced with the deterioration of the economic and social situation in the DRC, the opposition calls for action by the international community to support the country’s efforts to overcome the challenges it faces.