Elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo are fast approaching, and the deployment of electoral materials remains a significant challenge in some parts of the country. Ituri, located in the east of the DRC, is one of these isolated territories marked by armed conflicts.
Despite these obstacles, the Independent National Electoral Commission (Céni) affirms that everything will be ready by Wednesday, thanks to logistical assistance from the UN Mission for Stabilization in the DRC (MONUSCO). According to the Ceni, 99% of electoral materials have already been deployed in the capitals of Ituri, including in areas under the influence of community militias such as Ndjugu, Mahagi and Aru.
In these regions, the CENI succeeded in enrolling militiamen and obtaining their agreement for the deployment of electoral materials. However, the situation is more complex in western Ituri, where incursions by the ADF militia, affiliated with the Islamic State and originating from Uganda, persist. Despite the efforts of provincial military authorities, there is still work to be done to ensure the safety of voters and allow them to vote.
To compensate for these delays, the Congolese government announced the arrival of two planes from the Egyptian army, which will support the deployment of electoral materials. These aircraft, recognized for their versatility and their ability to operate in difficult environments, will complement the fleet already established by the armed forces of the DRC and MONUSCO. However, some experts point out that two planes may not be enough, and the government claims to have other air resources at its disposal.
Despite these logistical challenges, the CENI maintains the electoral calendar and strives to guarantee that all voters can exercise their right to vote. MONUSCO also continues to collaborate with CENI to identify specific needs and final destinations of electoral materials in other provinces of the DRC.
These elections in the DRC are of capital importance for the future of the country, and all efforts are being made to ensure their smooth running. It is essential that each voter can express their voice and contribute to the democratic construction of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Sources:
– [Article 1](link1)
– [Article 2](link2)
– [Article 3](link3)