A Guide to the December 20 Elections in Conflict-weary DR Congo : Analysis

Tensions are escalating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo as it prepares for upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections. The country is facing significant challenges in containing numerous armed groups that are wreaking havoc in the mineral-rich eastern region. Over 120 groups are fighting for land and resources, with some allegedly receiving support or intervention from neighboring countries such as Angola, Burundi, the Central African Republic, Uganda, and Rwanda.

As the December 20 election day approaches, government-aligned forces are clashing with the M23 group, which UN experts claim is backed by Rwanda. This adds to the decades of conflict that have plagued the country since the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide in 1994. It is estimated that six million people have died, and almost seven million others have been displaced as a result of the ongoing insecurity. The widespread violence has also left over a million people without voter cards.

The credibility of the Independent National Electoral Commission, which oversees the elections, has been called into question. In the previous 2018 poll, the African Union and the influential Catholic Church raised doubts about the results, as the incumbent Felix Tshisekedi emerged as the winner over the civil society favorite Martin Fayulu. Critics now accuse President Tshisekedi of having influence over the commission.

The Congolese presidential election operates on a first-past-the-post system, and several candidates are vying for the top position. Felix Tshisekedi, the son of veteran opposition leader Etienne Tshisekedi, entered office in 2019 after 18 years of rule by Joseph Kabila. Tshisekedi initially shared power with Kabila’s party but managed to outmaneuver his opponent and build a new coalition called the Sacred Union of the Nation.

However, Tshisekedi’s efforts to dismantle his predecessor’s power networks have been criticized for lacking visible progress. Corruption remains a significant issue, and the enormous wealth generated by the country’s mineral resources has yet to benefit the population. Vast sums of money, including from Katanga province’s cobalt reserves, have flowed into the state coffers but have been lost or misused.

Despite the opposition being fragmented, Tshisekedi’s rivals have failed to reach a consensus on a single candidate to challenge him. Moise Katumbi, the leader of Together for the Republic and Tshisekedi’s main challenger, received support from some candidates who withdrew from the race. Another strong contender is Martin Fayulu, who was viewed by many as the true winner of the previous election. Denis Mukwege, a high-profile candidate known for his humanitarian work, may also form an alliance with Katumbi.

Nonetheless, concerns over transparency and freedom of expression remain. Observers from the European Union withdrew ahead of the election, raising doubts about the transparency of the process. Additionally, the government has cracked down on journalists, rights activists, and opposition figures, imposing jail sentences on those critical of the authorities.

Violence is ongoing in the eastern region as a ceasefire between the M23 and government-aligned militias collapsed in April. The M23, which claims to be defending local Tutsis against Hutu militias, has also exacerbated tensions with Rwanda. The election has become an opportunity for political candidates to accuse each other of having soft stances on the Rwandan issue. There is a perception among the Congolese that Rwanda is backed by Western countries to exploit the country’s resources.

Amidst all this turmoil, the displaced population, who have been greatly affected by the violence, face uncertainty and may not have the opportunity to vote. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has a long history of suffering, from the atrocities of Belgian colonial rule to the never-ending cycle of exploitation and violence. The upcoming elections raise hopes for peace and progress, but many remain skeptical of any candidate truly embodying the change the Congolese people desire.

Source: Aljazeera news: Conflict-weary DR Congo votes on December 20: A guide to the election