Democracy in peril, DR Congo’s backslide raises alarms ahead of crucial elections
As the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) gears up for crucial elections on December 20, concerns are mounting over the erosion of democratic values, with President Felix Tshisekedi facing accusations of rights violations.
The once-prominent advocate for democratic change is now under scrutiny as journalists are imprisoned, an opposition politician’s murder remains unsolved, and clashes between rival parties threaten the electoral process.
President Tshisekedi, who assumed power in 2019, promised a departure from his predecessor’s autocratic rule. However, recent events have cast doubt on this commitment.
In July, a former minister turned opposition member was found dead in Kinshasa, followed by the imprisonment of a prominent journalist accused of spreading fake news about the murder.
Human Rights Watch has issued warnings about documented clashes and violence between supporters of rival parties that could undermine the integrity of the upcoming elections.
Despite Tshisekedi’s initial release of political prisoners, concerns grew as intimidation against critics resumed in 2020, with opposition members reporting harassment and politically motivated arrests.
Floribert Anzuluni, a presidential candidate and former rights activist, highlighted the surge in repression around elections, stating, “It’s the case today, there’s a hardening of the democratic space.”
In May, the arrest of a close advisor to opposition presidential contender Moise Katumbi, accused of colluding with rebel groups, added to the growing tensions.
A month later, the body of a former transport minister and Katumbi ally was found in Kinshasa, prompting an investigation criticized for stalling.
The arrest of journalist Stanis Bujakera, accused of spreading false information about the minister’s killing, drew international criticism, reflecting a broader pattern of repression that often goes unnoticed for lesser-known figures.
Despite international outcry, rights defenders argue that the accumulation of cases and apparent government impunity has gone unchecked. The government’s promises on the diplomatic stage are accused of rarely translating into action.
As the DRC faces a pivotal moment in its democratic journey, the international community’s perceived fatigue in confronting abuses raises concerns about the country’s political future.
A government spokesperson was not immediately available for comment, leaving the trajectory of the nation’s democracy uncertain in the lead-up to the elections.
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