Category: Politics

In this extract, the provincial deputy Celse Muhindo Magezi expresses his concerns about the security situation in the territory of Beni. He highlights the challenges facing the Congolese army, including the lack of logistics and manpower. He insists on the importance of taking into account the alerts of the population to prevent incidents such as the recent Kasindi massacre. The MP pleads for an inclusive dialogue between the security forces, NGOs and the population in order to find lasting solutions to end the insecurity. He also asks to broaden the scope of the joint UPDF-FARDC operation and expresses his confidence in the efforts being made to bring peace to the region. It is crucial to support Congolese army soldiers by providing them with adequate logistics and taking care of their basic needs. Security remains a major challenge in the territory of Beni, and coordinated and inclusive actions are needed to find lasting solutions and improve the socio-economic development of the Grand-Nord region.

Delly Sesanga, presidential candidate in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is committed to reforming the country. He strongly criticizes the management of security by the current government, which privileges armed groups and mercenaries to the detriment of the security forces. Delly Sesanga proposes a “Refoundation of the Congo” project to protect the country and make it stronger. It also denounces the practices of electoral fraud and calls on citizens to mobilize massively to sanction the regime in place. He invites young people to ensure the transparency of the electoral process. Delly Sesanga presents himself as a candidate determined to bring real change to Congo.

President Tshisekedi expresses his dissatisfaction with the effectiveness of regional cooperation in the fight against the rebellion in North Kivu. He denounces the alleged collusion between the East African troops and the rebels, questioning the commitment of the member countries of the EAC. The criticisms are drawing backlash from East African leaders, but discussions are underway to improve the coordination and effectiveness of the regional force. A transition period is planned to assess the progress made and decide on the next steps. Despite the challenges, the goal is to provide security and resolve the conflict in the region.

Recent military operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo succeeded in neutralizing two commanders of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a rebel group known for its violent activities. However, despite these successes, the ADF remains a threat in the Beni region. The fight against this group requires a multidimensional approach combining military operations, stabilization and socio-economic development. It is essential to work in collaboration with the Congolese security forces and to strengthen their capacities to deal with the persistent threat. Furthermore, it is important to stress that the violence in the DRC is not limited to the ADF, as other rebel groups are active in different parts of the country. The continued mobilization of the international community is needed to support efforts to restore peace and stability in the region. The neutralization of the ADF commanders is therefore a positive step, but the pressure on the rebel groups must be maintained and investment in durable solutions to guarantee security in the DRC.

The decision to maintain the electoral calendar in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is causing debate and political tension. While the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) tries to organize consultations for a more inclusive electoral process, the People’s Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD) opposes it and refuses to participate in the elections under the current conditions. . Despite the security and financial risks, the electoral calendar is moving forward with the opening of the offices for receiving applications. The worrying security situation and political differences amplify concerns about the transparency and legitimacy of the electoral process. It is crucial to find consensual solutions to guarantee credible, peaceful and inclusive elections, while easing political and security tensions in the country.

The Dynamique des femmes candidates de la République Démocratique du Congo (DYNAFEC) has published a directory of more than 800 women potential candidates for the 2023 elections. However, many political parties do not seem ready to respect the electoral law in terms of parity. The coordinator of DYNAFEC, Carine Kanku, calls for a mobilization so that political parties include women on their lists of candidates. She stresses the importance of the equitable participation of women in the electoral process in order to benefit from all the skills of the country. It is crucial that women’s rights are defended and that their voice is heard in the political institutions of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The next blog post addresses the issue of election security in DR Congo in 2023. Stakeholders in the electoral process stress the need for enhanced security to ensure the smooth conduct of elections scheduled for December. The security crisis in the east of the country, with the presence of armed groups and negative forces, as well as other problems such as the Mobondo phenomenon in the west, constitute challenges to be addressed. Additionally, misinformation and hate speech are also identified as potential risks to watch out for. It is therefore crucial that the government and the actors concerned take the necessary measures to guarantee the security of the elections and prevent any form of disinformation. The holding of democratic and peaceful elections is essential for the future of the country and to strengthen citizens’ confidence in the political system. Adequate measures must be put in place to overcome security challenges and promote an environment conducive to free and fair elections.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) of the Democratic Republic of Congo recently met with British Ambassador Alyson King to discuss preparations for elections scheduled for December. The two parties exchanged on the transparency and credibility of the electoral process, and Great Britain expressed its financial and technical support for the CENI. This meeting demonstrates the international community’s commitment to ensuring fair and inclusive elections in the DRC.

The Congolese President, Felix Tshisekedi, has announced that he is giving up settling in Goma to monitor the security situation in eastern DRC. He says he can follow the fighting in real time using technology from his headquarters in Kinshasa. This decision raises questions about his commitment to the people of the East and his political will to solve security problems. While some see this decision as pragmatic, others see it as a lack of political will. It is crucial that the government take concrete measures to ensure the safety of the population. Félix Tshisekedi will now have to maintain close contact with local actors to ensure that his decision to monitor remotely does not hamper his ability to respond effectively to the region’s security challenges. The real measure of its commitment will be through its concrete actions and the results obtained in the field.