On 17 January 2015, Congo’s parliament passed an electoral law requiring a census before the next elections. (Elections had been planned for 2016). On 19 January, protests led by students at the University of Kinshasa broke out. The protest began following the announcement of a proposed law that would allow Kabila to remain in power until a national census can be conducted. The clashes between police and protesters claimed at least 42 lives.
After a long negotiation, the comprehensive and inclusive political peace agreement of the DR Congo has been indeed adopted at the capital Kinshasa the Agreement was between the main opposition group and the Kabila led-government under which the latter agreed not to alter the constitution and to leave office before the end of 2017. Under the agreement opposition leader ÉtienneTshisekedi will oversee that the deal is implemented and the country’s Prime Minister will be appointed by the opposition.
“The second and last term of office of the President of the Republic which was completed on 19 December 2016 is not renewable; the head of the State will not seek a third mandate. The presidential, legislative, national and provincial elections will be held before the end of December 2017,” said Marcel Utembi Representative of Episcopal.
“It is the extension of this consensus that we had found in the city of the African Union that it was felt little inclusive Unfortunately, even this agreement is not as inclusive as we would have desired, because the idea for the respect of the democracy is not there, “ said Lambert Mendé Spokesman for the Government.
Under the new political compromise, President Joseph Kabila whose second and final constitutional mandate could have ended on December 19 remains the head of the country. He will be replaced only after the election of his successor, and this will take place by the end of December 2017.
The Opposition led by Moise Katumbi the former governor of Katanga Province, alleges that Kabila had intentionally delayed the election to remain in power. Katumbi ,described by the economist as probably the second most powerful man in the Democratic Republic of Congo after the president, Joseph Kabila announced his resignation as a member of the ruling People’s Party for the Reconstruction and Democracy –PPRD.
Kabila is vastly unpopular, partly because of the conflicts in the Congo, but also because of the widespread belief that he has enriched himself and his family while ignoring the millions of poor Congolese. There have been protests against his attempts to change term limits and extend his rule. Harsh demonstrations erupted on 20 April 2016 in Lubumbashi, one of Congo’s biggest cities
In response to the delayed election, the United States issued sanctions against two members of Kabila’s inner circle, John Numbi an ex-police chief as well as Gabriel Amisi Kumba on 28 September. These actions were seen as a warning to President Kabila to respect his country’s constitution.
Vast and resource-rich but poor and chronically unstable, DR Congo has never witnessed a lasting peace since independence from Belgium in 1960. The transfer of power has also been a major challenge in the country which is the largest in Africa. Two decades ago, it has been engulfed with the deadly wars which left over three million people dead. Eastern parts of the country have been the epicenter of rebels and ethnic militias
As with most conflicts in Africa DRC Congo’s situation has much to do with the neo-colonialism as International players particularly the US and Europe have contributed the countries’ conflicts which are basically over the vast minerals. The US has been using neighboring countries such as Uganda, Burundi and Rwanda to back opposition forces to put Congo under her influence. On the other hand, both French and Britain are trying to have their political agents and even back some rebels against the US desires. Therefore a struggle of economic interests between the foreign powers has seen Congo to ever war dominated country.
Shabani Mwalimu
Media Representative of Hizb ut Tahrir in Kenya
Written for Ar-Rayah Newspaper – Issue 113