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DRC Election: Chaos & Fraud Claims Mar High-stakes Vote
Amidst allegations of “chaos” and “irregularities,” voters in the Democratic Republic of Congo cast ballots on Wednesday in a tense presidential election pitting incumbent Felix Tshisekedi against a divided opposition. While voting began smoothly in some areas, delays and logistical issues plagued polling stations across the vast nation, raising concerns about the integrity of the process.
The first polling stations in the eastern region opened shortly after 6:00 am, but by midday, frustrations mounted as delays and technical problems persisted in various locations. Archbishop Fridolin Ambongo of Kinshasa highlighted concerns about malfunctioning voting machines and battery shortages, urging swift solutions to avoid prolonging the voting period for days.
Leading opposition figures, including Moise Katumbi, Martin Fayulu, and Denis Mukwege, swiftly denounced the unfolding chaos. Fayulu, a former oil executive who contested the 2018 election results, described the situation as “total chaos,” while Mukwege, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate and human rights advocate, expressed concerns about irregularities.
Tshisekedi, seeking re-election for a five-year term, faces 18 challengers. Despite presiding over economic growth, his administration has faced criticism for its limited impact on poverty and unemployment. He has campaigned on a promise to “consolidate his gains,” while targeting opponents like Katumbi, the former governor of mineral-rich Katanga province, with accusations of foreign allegiances and undermining national interests.
The specter of armed conflict in the eastern DRC loomed large over the election. The M23 rebel group’s resurgence and ongoing clashes have displaced millions and prevented voting in several areas. Despite recent de-escalation, the volatile situation remains a source of tension.
With counting set to begin after polling stations close, the path towards a definitive result remains unclear. The allegations of irregularities and the fragmented opposition landscape raise the possibility of contested outcomes.
Uhuru Opposes New Congolese Alliance
Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, the facilitator of the East African Community (EAC)-led Nairobi peace process Monday, December 18 strongly condemned the controversial political-military alliance announced by Congolese opposition figure Corneille Nangaa.
Kenyatta, in a statement issued Monday, described the alliance as an attempt to “challenge the legitimate political status quo in the DRC.” He expressed “shock and dismay” at the development, which comes amid ongoing efforts to bring peace to the conflict-stricken eastern region of the country.
“The Facilitator repudiates these developments and in particular their military character, and the accompanying politically charged and provocative rhetoric,” Kenyatta stated.
The announcement of the alliance, which includes the M23 rebel group and other armed factions, has ignited a diplomatic row between the DRC and Kenya. Nangaa, who has been living in exile, claims the alliance is aimed at “saving the country.” However, the merger ceremony held in Nairobi last Friday has triggered tensions with Kinshasa, leading to the recall of the DRC’s envoy.
Kenyatta, reiterating his support for the US-brokered ceasefire, emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. He described the ceasefire as “a critical step toward creating a conducive environment to facilitate the peace-building process, bringing an end to the senseless killing and suffering of the people in the eastern DRC.”
The Nairobi peace process, spearheaded by the EAC and facilitated by Kenyatta, is a regional diplomatic initiative aimed at resolving conflicts and fostering stability in the Great Lakes region. Kenyatta called for international cooperation and urged all stakeholders to prioritize dialogue over confrontation.
“The path to lasting peace in the DRC lies not in violence and division, but in dialogue and mutual respect for the democratic process,” Kenyatta stated. “The EAC remains committed to supporting the people of the DRC in their pursuit of peace and stability.”
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