Regional lobby groups call for peace as DRC heads to election amid tension
Different groups are now calling for peace and cohesion amongst the various stakeholders in the Democratic Republic of Congo ahead of the General elections set for December 20, 2023.
Lobby group Friends of Congo, led by former DRC electoral commission Chief Corneille Nangaa today launched the call for unity across the political, social, and military forces in the DRC.
They said they have decided to work together and establish a structured force to rebuild the state and solve the root cause of recurring conflicts which will ensure a lasting peace in the Central Africa-based country.
“To all patriots sharing this urgent need for change, you are invited to join us, without delay, to save our country and to establish cohesive governance in unity and peace, the rebuilding of a State that rises to its sovereign responsibilities by the law and which assures the safety of all.” They said in their statement.
The current government of Congo led by President Felix Tshisekedi has been struggling to solve insecurity, especially in the displacement camps of Goma, Northern DRC as a key factor ahead of the elections.
Tshisekedi is seeking the second term along with some 25 other candidates including Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr. Denis Mukwege; Martin Fayulu, who is considered by many to have won in 2018; and the former governor of copper-rich Katanga region, Moise Katumbi.
Political analysts say Felix is the most underrated person in the politics of Africa and he may end up being reelected.
His first tenure has been mixed with ups and downs including successes, including the joining the East African Community and a modest upturn in economic growth since the pandemic.
The voting takes place against the backdrop of the rising conflict in Eastern Congo and growing tensions between DR Congo and its eastern neighbor, Rwanda.
