April 24, 2024
Today marks the 34th anniversary of the historic speech delivered by the late President Mobutu Sese Seko announcing the end of the single-party system and the opening to a multi-party system in Zaire. This landmark decision marked the start of a long process of democratization after 25 years of dictatorship, but the results, 34 years later, remain mixed.
“Understand my emotion”, these words spoken by Mobutu during his speech at the Cité de la Nsele in Kinshasa in 1990 still resonate in the political history of the Democratic Republic of Congo. With tears in his eyes, the head of state announced the end of the reign of the state party, the MPR, thus opening the way to a new political era in the country.
Despite this progress towards democracy, political scientist Christian Moleka highlights a mixed record. He highlights the emergence of what he calls the “little Mobutu”, political leaders reproducing the same authoritarian patterns as the former president. This situation raises questions about the true nature of democracy in the DRC and the persistent challenges the country faces.
The years following this political transition were marked by periods of conflict and successive transitions. The first transition, under the presidency of Mobutu, lasted seven years and was followed by the coming to power of Laurent-Désiré Kabila in 1997. The latter had to face many challenges, notably the civil war in the is from the country and his assassination in 2001.
Joseph Kabila then took the reins of the country and launched a new transition in 2003, marked by peace negotiations and the holding of elections in 2006. His reign, extended until 2018, was marked by controversies and protests electoral elections, leading to the accession to power of Félix Tshisekedi in 2019.
The 2023 elections allowed Tshisekedi to consolidate his position as head of state. However, numerous challenges remain, particularly in terms of consolidating democracy, economic development and the fight against corruption.
On this anniversary, it is important to remember the path traveled by the DRC since the announcement of the end of the one-party system in 1990. It is a reminder of the struggles and hopes of the Congolese people for democratic governance and a better future. for all citizens.
For more information, follow the relevant links:
– A Mixed Multiparty System: Retrospective of 34 Years of Democracy in the DRC
– External Article Link on the Same Subject