Fatshimetry
Local elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo continue to attract the attention and concerns of civil society. In a recent press release from the Congo Civic Education Network (Récic), the announcement of the immediate postponement of the elections of urban councilors, mayors and mayors as well as their deputies caused consternation. This decision, which blocks the consolidation of the decentralization process, essential to the country’s development, generates concerns about the future of Congolese democracy.
Le Récic points to the conflicts of jurisdiction between appointed mayors and municipal councilors elected by universal suffrage as the main cause of this postponement. To remedy this situation, the civil society organization is calling for the allocation of necessary funds to the Independent National Electoral Commission (Céni) so that it can organize these long-awaited local elections. It is essential, according to Récic, that the Ceni publishes an updated calendar of these deadlines in order to reassure the population and maintain confidence in the country’s democratic institutions.
Alongside these electoral concerns, Récic also condemns the increase in urban crime in Kinshasa, fueled by gangs known as “Kulunas” as well as acts of armed robbery. These phenomena of delinquency directly impact the daily lives of the city’s residents and require rapid and effective action from the authorities to restore security and public order.
Among the other recommendations made by the Récic are the improvement of drinking water and electricity supplies, the regulation of public transport prices, the renovation of defective road infrastructure and the continuing training of police officers to guarantee the safety of citizens. These measures are essential to ensure the well-being of populations and the proper functioning of public services.
Finally, Récic calls on the President of the Republic to fully play his role as guarantor of the Constitution and the proper functioning of institutions. He is asked to implement concrete actions to improve the living conditions of citizens, strengthen the security forces and pacify areas of insecurity, particularly in the east of the country, where armed groups like the M23 continue to operate. threaten regional stability.
In conclusion, the political and social situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo requires urgent and concerted action on the part of the authorities, civil society and the population to guarantee a peaceful, democratic and prosperous future for all citizens of the country.