Press Release on Democractic Elections in DRC Peace International expresses concern over rising violence surrounding upcoming DRC election Peace International (PI), the Christian lead agency which runs the campaign “Prayer For Peace In Congo” expressed its concern regarding the activities surrounding the upcoming presidential election in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The organization has seen a dramatic rise in the lack of security in the Eastern Congo province, in particular South Kivu, the localities of Shaunda, Mwenga, and kitindi Wakabango by the FDLR. It has also observed a rise in tension created by rebel groups who, were not able to be integrated into the regular army by starting to reorganise themselves in order to cause chaos. The atmosphere is very unstable as the pressures exercise by political party activists have been brutally repressed by the national police and often this has resulted in the loss of life and numerous injuries. Added to this there have been arson attacks at the headquarters of a political party and a television channel. The latest incident took place Monday, October 31 in Mbuji- Mayi and resulted in several deaths, which included a ten year old child, killed by a stray bullet fired by a member of the national police during the confrontation of rival parties. PI is deeply concerned about the rise of violence as this could potentially become an obstacle for the success of an effective election if the leaders do not calm their militants. PI has found that state services have unfairly favoured candidates of the 2011 election in the preference to the presidential majority by giving them privileged to access the media and transportation services; this could constitute an important element of instability in the country and result in violent reactions during and after the elections. As a Christian organization which is advocating for peace, reconciliation and development in Africa and particularly in the DRC, PI condemns any act of injustice and inequality in the electoral process. PI calls for political actors to promote a peaceful ambience for credible, free and transparent elections, which can establish a lasting peace and facilitate reconciliation and development. PI requests that the British government and the international institutions to prepare to negotiate a solution to facilitate peace and stability in the DRC in the event that the election results are subject to a popular protest as unpopular results will destabilize the country and the region of central Africa. PI would also like to request that the candidates for the 2011 election in the DRC promote peace and not violence; put an end to provocative acts and abuses of human rights and facilitate freedom of expression and opinions in order to have credible results. Reverend Jean Bosco Kanyemesha |
