The Democratic Republic of the Congo is at a crucial turning point in its history, with general elections to be held in December 2023 according to the calendar of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI). Six months before the elections, the Congolese opposition is worried about the electoral process which, according to it, would prepare a new electoral hold-up in favor of the current president, Felix Tshisekedi.
Several demonstrations were organized, including one on May 20, which was harshly repressed by the police, sparking a wave of reactions both nationally and internationally. On social networks, the dissemination of images of the disproportionate use of force against peaceful demonstrators, including a minor, by the Congolese national police has sparked public outcry.
In this context, the idea of restricting access to social networks for reasons of national security has been put forward. Claude Ibalanky, newly appointed President Tshisekedi’s roving ambassador, publicly questioned the possibility of regulating the environment of social networks by limiting their access, as is done in China and in certain other countries.
However, such a method would not be new in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Under former President Joseph Kabila, the government had taken the decision several times to cut off access to the internet and social networks.
Restricting internet access, blocking social media platforms or limiting traffic to specific sites are all means authorities can use to control access to information and restrict citizens’ freedoms.
This political context and the democratic issues associated with it are important topics that will punctuate Congolese political life in the coming months. Issues of security, development and social justice will be crucial to ensure the credibility of the elections and the establishment of a climate of peace and stability in the Great Lakes region