the citizen's blog
The growing political tension in the DRC between the UDPS and the Catholic Church highlights major political issues. Rivalries between political actors and accusations of manipulation show the importance of religion in the political life of the country. The consequences could compromise national cohesion and complicate the upcoming electoral process.
Former 1st Vice-President of the National Assembly Jean-Marc Kabund was deprived of his presidential candidacy in the Democratic Republic of Congo because the political party he founded, the Alliance for Change, did not was not retained on the list of political parties authorized to compete in the elections. This decision would be linked to an already existing political tension in the DRC and this raises the question of the consolidation of democracy in the country. The DRC is in search of stability, and the situation looks tense.
The launch of the electoral process for 2023 in the DRC is generating political tensions and high stakes. The opposition and the Catholic Church are contesting the CENI, saying the electoral process lacks transparency and credibility, while the country risk conference in Kinshasa discusses solutions for the DRC’s economic growth. The regulation of subcontracting activities is also essential with a view to the growth of local employment and the strengthening of local industry. The risks are high, but the hope remains that these challenges will be met for a consolidated democracy in the DRC.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS) is present on the list of parties authorized to operate for the 2023 elections, unlike the Alliance for Change which denounces a maneuver by the regime Tshisekedi. For Ghislain Mwanji, this decision is perceived as a sign of weakness of the UDPS which fears to confront Jean-Marc Kabund as presidential candidate. This sidelining could cause tension in an already very tense political context in the DRC.
The 25th anniversary of the episcopal ordination of Bishop Bernard Kasanda saw the presence of the President of the Republic Félix Tshisekedi, welcomed by the Metropolitan Archbishop of Kisangani and President of CENCO, Marcel Utembi for his support for the Catholic Church. However, in his speech, President Tshisekedi called on the Church to go back to the source and to be at the service of the people. It is important that their collaboration be balanced to find solutions to the challenges of the country and its population. The collaboration will certainly contribute to the growth and development of the DRC.
The Congolese Prime Minister attended a summit to discuss the need to restructure the Bretton Woods institutions. According to him, these institutions were created to fight global poverty, but their system has become ineffective. He pleaded for reforms that take social needs into account and are better adapted to current realities. The Prime Minister also encouraged the participation of private investments in development projects, stressing the need to preserve natural resources and promote a sustainable green economy.
The governor of the Kasaï central 1 educational province has launched the ordinary session of the 2023 edition of the State exams. More than 27,666 students are expected to face the tests which include general culture, sciences, languages and the option. The candidates are invited to fight their fear and to have confidence in themselves to face these important tests for their future. Other current topics in the DRC include the relationship between power and the Catholic Church, calls for respect for the constitution for the 2023 presidential election, country risk and solutions for economic growth, the withdrawal of MONUSCO and security in the east of the country.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) faces a tumultuous political situation, particularly with criticism from the Catholic Church of the ruling UDPS party. The country is also facing growing insecurity and an alarming humanitarian crisis. Despite this, the 5th DRC Mining Week highlighted the remarkable performance of Tenke Fungurume Mining in the Congolese mining sector. The withdrawal of MONUSCO and Rwanda’s alleged support for M23 are other major security challenges in the region. In this complex context, Delly Sesanga calls for respecting the Constitution to guarantee the country’s security and move towards a more stable and prosperous society.
This Monday, June 26, the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) opened its 171 offices for the reception and processing of applications (BRTC) for the legislative elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). CENI President Denis Kadima expressed his satisfaction with the state of preparation of the commission for these elections. He also encouraged potential candidates to present themselves on time, respecting the conditions required by law. Candidates must submit more than seven forms to file their case. The electoral process promises to be tense in the DRC, following disagreements on the modalities of the implementation of the electoral reform. The CENI must guarantee a credible and inclusive process.
This article discusses the tense relationship between the authorities and the Catholic Church in the DRC, marked recently by the remarks of President Tshisekedi criticizing the partiality of certain prelates. CENCO reacted by emphasizing its role as a defender of the weak and of human rights. Despite the disagreements, it is important to highlight the Church’s history in advocating for social justice and stability, as well as its contribution to the New Year’s Eve Accord in 2019. Mutual respect is essential for a constructive dialogue.