As the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) gears up for its general elections scheduled for December 20, 2023, the plight of displaced persons in the conflict-ridden eastern region has become a focal point of concern. Dani Rukara, among the nearly seven million internally displaced Congolese, reflects the dire situation in displacement camps near Goma, particularly in the Kanyaruchinya camp in North Kivu province. These camps underscore the challenges President Felix Tshisekedi faces in resolving the ongoing insecurity in the region.
Despite President Tshisekedi’s promises to address security issues, the situation in eastern DRC has worsened over the past five years, with thousands of civilians killed and many women subjected to sexual violence. Displaced persons like Deogracias Ntamuhanga express frustration over their disenfranchisement and the inability to vote in the upcoming elections. Others, like Esperance Nyiraneza, feel resigned but hope for a future where they can return to their villages.
The M23 rebel group, active in the region and accused of being supported by Rwanda (a claim Kigali denies), has exacerbated the instability, seizing large swathes of territory and displacing over a million people. The situation has led to rampant inflation, further diminishing President Tshisekedi’s popularity in the area.
Displaced Congolese Face Uncertainty as DRC Approaches Elections Amid Escalating Conflict.
The humanitarian crisis is compounded by the ongoing violence in the region, including within the Virunga National Park. Many displaced individuals, like Angelique Wimana, have been forced to endure harsh living conditions in makeshift camps, with cholera outbreaks and a lack of basic necessities being common challenges.
As the elections approach, presidential candidates have been campaigning in eastern DRC, promising to bring peace to the region. However, the complex web of over 120 armed groups in eastern Congo and the potential for political clashes pose significant challenges to the electoral process. The situation mirrors the difficulties faced during the last election in 2018, when voting was delayed in certain districts due to an Ebola outbreak.
The forthcoming elections occur amidst the drawdown of the United Nations peacekeeping mission (MONUSCO) and the withdrawal of the East African peacekeeping force, raising concerns about the protection of civilians in eastern Congo.
