Crisis Group Warns of Threats to Credible Election in DR Congo

A new report has warned that the Democratic Republic of Congo risks descending into violence and a national crisis as the country heads for elections in December.

The last elections in 2018 secured the country's first peaceful transition of power, bringing President Félix Tshisekedi to office. In a report published on October 30, the ICG says that although security has deteriorated in parts of the country, and a mineral boom has failed to improve people's lives, Tshisekedi has strengthened his position "by adding several political heavyweights to his coalition."

Richard Moncrieff of the ICG's Great Lakes Project urged the government, politicians and civil society to "unite against the alarming rise in inflammatory rhetoric from some politicians who exploit hatred towards certain communities and neighbouring countries, particularly Rwanda, to strengthen their political base." He also called for transparency from the electoral commission with a view, if necessary, to postponing the election.