Corneille Nangaa, former president of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) and current leader of the political party “Action for the Dignity of Congo and its people” (ADCP), currently lives in exile and is worried about his safety. In a recent interview on RFI, he expressed criticism of the current government and raised concerns about the political situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Nangaa said steps should be taken to end Felix Tshisekedi’s term, calling his administration a “parenthesis” that must be quickly closed. He criticized the handling of national issues, pointing to the levity and reckless decisions taken on security. According to him, if this approach continues, the Congo risks being lost. Nangaa also questioned the management of security in the country, noting “hazardous” decisions taken without prior planning.
He revealed that he had felt unsafe for several months and that his custody had been taken away from him, breaching his legal rights. He linked these events to the circumstances surrounding the death of some important personalities, such as Kahimbi and Okende.
The former CENI president also criticized the ongoing state of siege in the eastern provinces of the DRC, in particular raising doubts about the alleged presence of FDLR combatants within the Republican Guard. His statements were described as “extremely serious” by the Minister of Communication and Media, Patrick Muyaya. Nangaa responded to these accusations by arguing that his remarks were true and that criticism of the government was an attempt to silence truth and democracy.
It should be noted that Corneille Nangaa is currently under sanctions by the United States. The US Treasury accuses him of “persistent corruption” linked to the December 2018 elections in the DRC and has also sanctioned other CENI officials. According to the US Treasury, Nangaa and his associates allegedly misappropriated CENI operational funds for personal and political gain, thus delaying the electoral process. Nangaa has always denied these accusations.
It is obvious that the political situation in the DRC is complex and subject to tension. Corneille Nangaa’s statements raise questions about the stability and governance of the country. It is essential to follow developments closely to understand the potential impact on the political future of the DRC