Trouble breaks in the DRC
Friday, May 12, 2023 | 1510 Views |

Presidents Tshisekedi and Masisi arriving at a press conference PIC: KENNEDY RAMOKONE
Masses have been forced to flee the country for their safety with some missing the crucial process of voter registration ahead of the country’s General Election in which Tshisekedi seeks the second and last term in office as per the country’s 2006 national Constitution. Tshisekedi took over the reins of power in 2018 from his predecessor Joseph Kabila who led the Congolese for nearly two decades.
The resurgence of military attacks by the armed groups known as March 23 Movement rebels or M23 in the eastern region at the north Kivu and Ituri provinces, has reportedly been disruptive in the much-needed process of voter registration which commenced last year December ahead of the impending General Election billed for December, 2023, a process that is crucial for the Tshisekedi-led administration.
While every citizen, including the Head of State, has the right to voice opinions, the tone and context of the President’s comments were regrettably dismissive and risk chilling free expression in our country. The remarks are not isolated. They form part of a disturbing pattern of public attacks on independent institutions pillars essential to the healthy functioning of our democracy. The Judiciary, the Legislature, and now the media have all...