Warning: Trying to access array offset on value of type bool in /usr/www/users/urnnet/a/story.php on line 43 Electoral Legitimacy at Stake: M23 Rebels Dispute Election in DR Congo :: Uganda Radionetwork
The election, scheduled for December 20, 2022, overseen by the country’s Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), has attracted 25 candidates vying against the incumbent Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, who seeks a second term.
Bertrand
Bisimwa, the president of the March 23 Movement (M23) rebels, has voiced
concern regarding the upcoming election in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR
Congo). The election, scheduled for December 20, 2022, overseen by the
country’s Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), has attracted 25
candidates vying against the incumbent Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, who
seeks a second term.
However, last
month, the government spokesperson, Patrick Muyaya, stated that certain
conditions in parts of North Kivu province, particularly in Rutshuru,
Nyiragongo, and Masisi territories, due to occupation by members of the M23
rebels’ militia, might prevent elections from taking place.
Bisimwa
contends that excluding these territories from the electoral process would
render the election illegitimate. He asserts that denying locals the
opportunity to elect their president echoes past situations in Beni and Butembo
territories during the 2018 election, where claims of legitimacy were
challenged. He also cites the humanitarian crisis, saying that many residents
in these areas are in refugee camps due to ongoing conflicts.
//Cue in: “when you force…
Cue out: …its legitimate.”//
Expressing
concern, Bisimwa questions the repercussions if voters from these excluded
territories reject the elected president, emphasizing that the affected
communities, despite their circumstances, deserve their right to participate in
electing their leader.
//Cue in: “if tomorrow people….
Cue out: …have access.”//
The conflict between the M23 rebels and the DR Congo government has resulted in the displacement of approximately one million people. Efforts by the East African Community
Regional Force to mediate the conflict have yet to yield success, with recent skirmishes,
such as the gunfight in Kalenga, escalating tensions.
In March 2022, M23 rebels, led by Bertrand Bisimwa and General Sultan Makenga, initiated a conflict
against the government. The DR Congo government accuses Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebellion, a claim both Rwanda and M23 vehemently deny. The rebels assert their fight is against governance issues within DR Congo, citing corruption, xenophobia, and discrimination as key concerns.
