Congo-Kinshasa: DRC On Edge As Kabila Term Nears End

Kinshasa — THE political situation is volatile in the Democratic Republic of Congo days before the end of President Joseph Kabila's constitutional mandate. As December 19 approaches, the international community expressed concern at the humanitarian situation and persistent violence east of the country, particularly in North Kivu. Armed groups and criminal networks capitalised on the uncertainty to wage killing and deadly sprees against civilians. Among the sects carrying out the attacks include the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), the Democratoic Forces of the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR).

More than 850 000 have been internally displaced and over 700 civilians have been killed since October 2014. There are fears of an escalation coinciding with massive protests against Kabila's clinging to power after elections set for last month were postponed to 2018. Maman Sidikous, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and head said six weeks after the October 18 signing of the political agreement to organise the peaceful, credible and transparent elections, the political situation remained explosive. Meanwhile, scores of Kabila critics have been jailed and media silenced.

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