2023-10-09
The challenges of political governance in the Democratic Republic of Congo have recently made headlines, particularly following the disturbing remarks of General John Numbi Tambo Banza. The African Commission for the Supervision of Elections (CASE) reacts to these statements and warns against any use of force to gain power. At the same time, the organization calls on the outgoing president, Félix Tshisekedi, to promote dialogue to calm the political climate in view of the electoral process.
CASE recognizes that the statements of General Numbi Tambo Banza have a significant impact on the political and electoral governance of the country. She therefore encourages the public publication of the electoral agreement and emphasizes that this would call into question the current regime as well as the composition of the executive and legislative powers resulting from the ballot boxes.
The submission of Félix Tshisekedi’s candidacy to the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) on the same day as the capture of the city of Kitshanga by the M23 supported by the Rwandan army and the threatening declarations of General Numbi Tambo Banza further shook the electoral process underway.
CASE warns against any use of force to gain power in the DRC. She recommends that General Numbi refrain from any idea of conquest of power by force and pleads for demands to be channeled and addressed through dialogue, in accordance with the country’s Constitution.
At the same time, CASE urges President Félix Tshisekedi to take this situation seriously and to prioritize the best interests of the nation. She emphasizes that the only immediate solution to this crisis is dialogue.
It is crucial for the stability of the country and the state system to turn the page on the current regime and open a new era of consensual stabilization. CASE therefore calls for a peaceful and unified resolution of the political crisis in the DRC.
In conclusion, CASE plays a vital role in monitoring elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo and warns against the use of force to gain power. She calls for favoring dialogue as the only solution to resolve the current political crisis and pave the way for more stable and consensual governance in the country.