Desperation, discontent brew in eastern DR Congo as elections approach amidst escalating insecurity
In the lead-up to the highly anticipated elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) scheduled for December 20, the plight of those in the conflict-ridden eastern region near Goma paints a grim picture of abandonment and insecurity.
Displacement camps on the outskirts of Goma, housing individuals fleeing violence and armed groups, have become emblematic of the government’s struggles to address the pressing issue of insecurity, a concern looming large ahead of the impending polls.
Anna Mastaki, a 28-year-old resident in one of these squalid camps, lamented, “We live like animals.”
This sentiment resonates among many in the impoverished yet resource-rich nation, especially in the east, where a prevailing sense of abandonment prevails.
Chantal Uwimana, a displaced mother of eight from the Masisi region, voiced her frustration at being unable to register for the upcoming elections, questioning, “Are we, the displaced people, not Congolese like everyone else after all?”
The eastern part of the DRC, scarred by historical conflicts, is grappling with the resurgence of armed groups like M23, which has displaced over a million people since late 2021, leading to overcrowded displacement camps.
The situation has escalated to the point where Doctors Without Borders reports tens of thousands of families still fleeing violence in North Kivu.
The scale of the humanitarian crisis in the region is staggering, with nearly seven million people displaced, marking the highest number recorded in the country, according to the United Nations.
Despite President Felix Tshisekedi’s promise to address insecurity, the situation has worsened during his five years in power, marked by civilian casualties and widespread sexual violence.
As the elections approach, hundreds of thousands of people in displacement camps near Goma face disenfranchisement, with voter registration challenges and the exclusion of certain territories where armed groups, including M23, remain active.
Bahati Nvano, residing in dire conditions in one such camp, expressed concern over not receiving voters’ cards, a crucial identification document for participating in the elections. Nvano’s lamentation underscores a prevailing sentiment of being cast aside as the rest of the country gears up for the polls.
President Tshisekedi’s recent declaration that parts of North Kivu province would be unable to vote due to ongoing conflicts raises questions about the effectiveness of his policies to tackle the situation.
Observers, including Fred Bauma of the Kinshasa-based think tank Ebuteli, note a perception of “trial and error” in Tshisekedi’s approach.
Regional tensions, particularly with Rwanda, have heightened, prompting concerns about a potential direct confrontation. Meanwhile, inflation and the president’s perceived failure to quell tensions in the east have impacted his popularity in the region.
Despite these challenges, many displaced individuals around Goma express a willingness to vote for Tshisekedi, viewing it as an opportunity for him to address the chaotic situation inherited during his tenure.
Against this backdrop of desperation and discontent, several presidential candidates campaigning in the eastern DRC pledge to bring peace to the region, highlighting the critical need for stability as the nation approaches a pivotal moment in its political landscape.
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