President Felix Tshisekedi Suggests Running For A Third Term

 

The Democratic Republic of  the Congo continues to face internal conflict and economic challenges. President Felix Tshisekedi implied he might run for a third term. The only way this would happen is with a change to the constitution. The question remains if he President Tshisekedi has enough support to change or create a new constitution. The only was this would be done is through a referendum. Article 220 states that term limits are imposed on the office of president. However, former President Joseph Kabila term ended in 2016 and he left office in 2019. According to the law, this was a violation of the 2006 constitution. Political opposition accuse the attempt at a third term as a means of keeping power. Having a referendum would be a solution if it is free and fair. Concerns are growing over a possible delay in election due to insurrection in the Eastern DRC. Mediation efforts are showing limited signs of success with the M23 rebels. Those under M23 rebel controlled and Rwanda backed territories are not able to cast ballots. The 2028 elections are facing either possible cancellation or delay. Fear of another large scale Congo War are present. The DRC also faces foreign interference in its internal affairs seeking to steal its mineral wealth. It is unclear if an expansion of  presidential terms is a solution.  

Rwanda Severs Ties With Belgium

 

Rwanda has ended diplomatic relations with Belgium. The Rwandan government has instructed Belgian diplomatic staff to leave the country. The reason for the end of diplomatic relations stems from the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The criticisms related to Rwanda's connection to the M23 rebels has generated controversy. Rwanda claims it has no involvement, but the M23 rebels appear to target Hutus. Rwanda is not breaking diplomatic relations out of anti-colonial politics or for the assertion of national sovereignty. Belgium is attempting to take sides in a regional African conflict. The memories of the Rwandan Civil War and genocide remain fresh. The Second Congolese Civil War created many refugees and internally displaced persons. While ending relations with former colonial powers should be praised, this was not for the sake of Pan-African unity. President Paul Kagame wants to increase his political power. Belgium is an obstacle and a possible country that could induce possible regime change. Belgium has been vociferous in trying to get EU members to sanction Rwanda. Imposing sanctions without some type of dialogue, reveals another agenda. Rwanda's military commanders have EU sanctions placed on them. The UK and Germany are suspending aid.  Simultaneously, attempts at peace talks were being made. The United Nations has not made an attempt to help with peace negotiations. As President Paul Kagame faces pressure from the EU, he will look for other allies elsewhere. The DRC has tantalum, which is essential to the electronics and computer industry. Belgium only concern about the M23 rebels is their control of natural resources in the Eastern Congo. President Paul Kagame's involvement in the DRC is not just economic. The RPF is seeking vengeance for the past abuses of the Hutus. Rwanda's break with Belgium was inevitable consequence of war.        

The Democratic Republic of the Congo Seeks Changes To The Constitution

The Democratic Republic of the Congo might be seeking to change the DRC  Constitution. President Felix Tshisekedi revealed a commission is being set up to draft a new constitution.  The argument made is that the current DRC Constitutions has certain flaws. President Tshisekedi asserts that it was originally drafted by foreigners. This was done as a measure to help stabilize the country after the Second Congolese Civil War from 1998 to 2003. The concern by some is that it could extend presidential terms or alter the term limits. The presidency is somewhat limited in comparison to regional governments and parliament. The desire for more centralization could be a means of preventing future civil wars. The M23 rebel attacks evoke memories of previous civil wars. Reforms could also be made in the electoral system. This should not generate condemnation as long as it ensures all citizens can vote. The current DRC Constitution has been used since 2006. A total of six constitutions the DRC has used. The seventh version would probably be used either late 2025 or 2026. This will certainly be a topic of debate in the next presidential election. A new constitution would not be a problem if the intent was known. A pattern with some African nations is that constitutional reforms are a way to extend presidential power. The political opposition rejects the DRC constitutional commission for this reason.   

 

The Failed Coup In The DRC

 

The Democratic Republic of the Congo foiled a coup. A number of African nations have been experiencing coups in the 2020s. The difference with the DRC was that it was not against a longtime regime. During this coup attempt, the presidential palace was attacked. The leader of this coup was Christian Malanga. He was killed during the coup attempt according to authorities in the DRC. Video shown shows the group with flags of the former Zaire. Those who were in the coup group appear to have nostalgia for the Joseph Mobutu dictatorship. Christian Malanga was involved in opposition politics and gold mining prior to the coup attempt. Malanga based on the information gathered was a refugee who settled in the United States. This was in the 1990s when Zaire was falling into civil war. His political activities were working for the United Congolese Party. The political party has been described as a movement to remove the current government. Questions have arisen about possible US involvement in the plot. No evidence has been uncovered of a CIA operation. Three American were allegedly were part of the coup group. The DRC is facing challenges from M23 rebels, Rwanda, and external powers seeking to exploit its natural resources. The coup attempt no matter how small was a demonstration of political instability. When this transpired political factionalism had reached record levels in the DRC. The New Zaire Government in Exile another organization wanted to revert the DRC to the years of 1971 to 1997. If enough evidence is gathered it could implicate the New Zaire Government in  Exile as being an accomplice to the coup.  

The M23 Rebel Crisis

 

The ceasefire between the M23 rebels and the government of the Democratic Republic of The Congo is breaking down. The rebellion started in 2012 and the DRC declared the conflict over. However, clashes still continue. The reason the M23 rebels exist is due to the fall out of the Second Congolese Civil War. The violence has caused Angola to send forces to the DRC. The area of conflict is focused in North-Kivu province. Kenya is also becoming involved in the DRC. Seeing as the zone of war borders Rwanda and Uganda these countries might also be active. Rwanda has been accused of aiding the M23 rebels. President Paul Kagame has denied the allegations of instigating rebellion. Questions also remain about Uganda's role in the internal affairs of the DRC. The United Nations deployment of peacekeepers has not been effective. A total of eight countries were involved in the civil war that lasted from 1998 to 2003. The reason Rwanda takes interest in the DRC is due to Hutu armed groups. Some could have been involved in the 1994 Rwandan genocide. The roots of the rebellion are in ethnic conflict and isolation of minorities. The Tutsi minority and deserters from the DRC's army would form what are now the M23 rebels. There is no indication that this was a product of foreign conspiracy. The origin was indigenous. The Democratic Republic of the Congo cannot function with civil war, foreign intervention, and failed UN missions. The African Union should take a more active role in stabilizing the DRC. Much of this has to do with addressing the discord of the Tutsis and the general frustration of the citizens. President Felix Tshisekedi wants to see economic development projects continue, but this cannot be done with war in the east. The end of the government coalition with Joseph Kabila and his political allies. The M23 rebels are going to be a major concern in the general elections. The fear is that another full scale civil war could break out. So far, the M23 rebels have been contained. If  their forces become stronger and capture more territory, then the DRC will be in another civil war. 

Remembering Albert Kunyuku The DRC's Last World War II Veteran

 

Africans fought in World War II. However, their stories are not always told. Many gave their lives in the fight against fascism, even though they did not have independence. Albert Kunyuku passed away in January of 2022. He was the last surviving  Congolese veteran of World War II. The Democratic Republic of the Congo mourned  his passing. Kunyuku saw combat in Burma. He joined the Force Publique in 1940. Colonial troops were essential to the liberation of Axis held territory in Africa, Asia, and Europe. Belgium came under Nazi rule, but Congolese were not willing to accept new colonizers. While most of the war in Africa was fought in the North, East Africa had to be freed from Italian control. African soldiers took part in aiding Ethiopia's fight to free its self from Fascist Italy. Albert Kunyuku's death is a reminder of how important it is to record history. More scholarship must be done of the African soldier experience and contributions during World War II. 

The World Health Organization Declares Ebola outbreak in the DRC an International Emergency

The World Health Organization has declared that ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has reached crisis levels. There were cases  of ebola in 2018, yet these matters were ignored. The DRC has struggled with armed rebellion and civil wars through its history, but now it faces a public health challenge. The ebola outbreaks in 2014 caused global concern and this new outbreak should not be considered any less of a threat. There comes a horrible realization with global pandemics. The developing nations are more at risk compared to developed countries. Healthcare  and proper medical facilities are a requirement to combat pandemics in the present and future. The WHO must develop a consistent plan of action to prevent major crisis. One goal for the UN should be to see the establishment of functional healthcare systems and contribute to the construction of more hospitals. The ebola virus could become as dangerous as AIDS when it was first identified. Unchecked public health will rapidly deteriorate. Many people may no seek healthcare simply because they do not have the financial means to do so. Other times there is a urban and rural divide between in terms of quality of care. Rural areas globally have limited options in terms of hospitals or medical clinics. The DRC alone does not have the resources to deal with an ebola outbreak combined with other social and political issues. It is important that the African Union become involved in the promotion of stable healthcare systems and the prevention of pandemics. As the DRC deals with this crisis it is also important that the public not panic. Doing so only creates more disorder or possible long term unrest.