the citizen's blog
Rex Kazadi Kanda, a prominent figure in the Congolese diaspora, announces his candidacy for the December 2023 presidential election in the DRC. In an open letter, he denounces the country’s budgetary, diplomatic and social crises and expresses his desire to change the established order. His candidacy arouses interest by proposing a speech of rupture and a commitment to Congolese youth. The 2023 election will be a key moment in the political history of the DRC.
In a turbulent political context in the Democratic Republic of Congo, an unconventional candidate stands out: John Tibasima Bahemuka, a political prisoner. Despite his detention in Bunia prison, Bahemuka announced his candidacy for the national deputy as well as for the presidency. His candidacy raises questions about civic rights and the eligibility of prisoners to stand for election. While awaiting his judgment, Bahemuka remains determined and enjoys the right to appear as long as his final sentence has not been pronounced. Bahemuka’s story sheds light on the governance challenges facing the DRC and sparks the interest of Congolese in the run-up to the upcoming elections.
The 7th edition of the Annual African Conference on Peace and Security (APSACO) was held in Rabat, Morocco, with the theme “Post-conflict Reconstruction in Africa”. Ms. Anny Modi, Congolese activist, stressed the importance of involving women and youth in peace processes to prevent armed conflict. She insists on the need to train young people in peace education and to strengthen the role of women as mediators. The conference, organized by the Policy Center for the New South, aims to promote high-level conversations on peace and security in Africa and deepen knowledge on post-conflict reconstruction. The involvement of women and young people is key to achieving lasting peace agreements.
Martin Fayulu launches a mobilization campaign in the Democratic Republic of Congo to raise awareness of the use of article 64 of the constitution in the context of the demand for a reliable electoral process. Faced with the refusal of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) to carry out an external audit of the electoral register, Fayulu wishes to prevent any electoral fraud by mobilizing the Congolese population. He recalls the crucial role of Article 64 and calls for an independent audit carried out by experts. Despite discussions with the CENI, the latter still refuses to accept the request for an external audit. Martin Fayulu therefore maintains his position by not submitting any candidacies, which raises issues in terms of deadlines for the national legislative elections. The security context, with the armed attack in Lokutu, underlines the importance of a transparent and credible electoral process to guarantee the stability of the country. Fayulu’s mobilization campaign therefore aims to prepare the Congolese people to use Article 64 to defend their rights in the electoral process.
France actively supports the implementation of the Luanda roadmap and the Nairobi process in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The French Ambassador to the DRC, Bruno Aubert, stresses the importance of these agreements for achieving peace in the east of the country. France welcomes the diplomatic efforts made and will participate in a meeting in Goma to make the pre-cantonment and cantonment process more effective. The Ambassador and the Deputy Prime Minister also discussed military and defense cooperation between the two countries, with the possibility of expanding this cooperation into new areas. France is already engaged in training a special jungle combat battalion in the DRC. In conclusion, France reaffirms its support for the DRC and its desire to work together for peace and stability in the east of the country.
The article highlights the current occupation of Bukombo-centre by M23 terrorists, supported by the Rwandan Armed Forces. The fighting led to the displacement of many inhabitants to neighboring communities. The population had alerted the authorities to the imminent threat, but unfortunately no action was taken. The situation is all the more alarming as the rebels continue to reinforce their positions in the Rutshuru region. The presence of Rwandan forces is also a serious concern, requiring a diplomatic response and regional coordination. It is crucial to guarantee the security of the inhabitants and to promote the return of displaced persons to ensure the stability and development of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Summary :
This article highlights the measures taken by the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to guarantee stability in the east of the country. Negotiations and the disarmament process with local armed groups, regional cooperation with neighboring countries involved in the destabilization of the region, the use of East African Community military force and new perspectives with the Southern African Development Community are all steps taken by the government to restore peace and reestablish state authority in this troubled region. Despite the persistent challenges, these measures demonstrate the Congolese government’s determination to secure the east of the country and ensure a more peaceful and prosperous future for the population.
Post-conflict reconstruction in Africa requires the involvement of women and young people. This was emphasized by Anny Modi, a Congolese activist, during the annual African Conference on Peace and Security. According to her, young people are often recruited by armed groups because of their economic vulnerability, hence the importance of providing them with peace education and employment opportunities. Women, for their part, can play a role of mediation and communication to prevent conflicts. The Conference aims to promote reflection on peacebuilding in Africa, with a focus on the inclusion of women and youth in peace processes. The AU policy framework on post-conflict reconstruction represents a step forward, but it is essential to value the involvement of these actors. In conclusion, lasting reconstruction cannot take place without their active participation.
Martin Fayulu is launching a mobilization campaign to make Congolese people aware of the use of article 64 of the constitution, which allows them to oppose any illegal seizure of power. He wants to prevent electoral fraud by requiring an external audit of the electoral register and the transparency of the electoral process. ECiDé decides not to submit applications due to the lack of guarantees. The CENI argues that auditing is not a legal requirement. The campaign aims to recall the importance of guaranteeing transparent and democratic elections in the DRC.
A new step in the fight against corruption in the Democratic Republic of Congo: the call for a special anti-corruption law by the Agency for the Prevention and Fight against Corruption (APLC). The APLC aims to end impunity by allowing the prosecution of anyone accused of corruption, regardless of their status. Positive economic effects are already visible, with the recovery of millions of dollars by the public treasury and the identification of looted public real estate. The digitization of institutions is also a crucial element in reducing the possibilities of misappropriation of funds. This fight against corruption involves collaboration between different institutional actors to strengthen the effectiveness of measures and improve governance.
