Democratic Republic of Congo

Blinken sees growing partner in Angola on Africa democracy tour

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday will explore greater coordination with emerging regional partner Angola, capping a tour of Africa to champion US-friendly democracies as global crises mount. After years of estrangement with Washington during the Cold War, Angola has seen growing common ground with the United States including by working together to address violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Blinken arrived late Wednesday in the oil-rich […]

January 25, 2024 8

Africa

DR Congo’s election – the key to Félix Tshisekedi’s victory

By Albert Kasanda, Czech Academy of Sciences On Sunday 31 December 2023, the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) announced the preliminary results of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s presidential election held on 20 December. The incumbent president, Félix Tshisékédi, was declared the winner with 73.34% of the votes cast, while Moise Katumbi was credited with 18.03% and Martin Fayulu with 5.33%. There have been calls to cancel the elections […]

January 18, 2024 26

Africa

DRC court confirms Felix Tshisekedi’s poll victory

The Constitutional Court in the Democratic Republic of Congo has rejected two challenges to the results of last month's contested presidential election. The court said incumbent President Felix Tshisekedi had indeed received 73% of the vote. The validation, according to the BBC, comes despite independent observers reporting widespread irregularities during the 20 December vote.

January 10, 2024 31

Africa

Hand counting and delays in DRC elections amid fraud claims

In the Democratic Republic of the Cong votes are being counted by hand in parts of the capital city, Kinshasa, in a general election marred by delays and claims of fraud. The BBC reports that for the first time since 2006, voting has been extended to a second day in some parts of the country.

December 21, 2023 42

Africa

DRC takes measures for transparent elections

Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo have pledged that internet access will not be cut off at any point during Wednesday's elections. The announcement, according to the BBC, comes as social media users express fear of both blackouts and vote rigging. More than 40 million voters are casting their ballots on Wednesday to elect a president from 19 candidates.

December 20, 2023 11

Africa

The Democratic Republic of Congo votes in general election

Voters in the Democratic Republic of Congo are deciding the nation's future in today’s elections, which will potentially impact the global energy transition. President Felix Tshisekedi is expected to win a second term, with a survey indicating 49.3% support, while businessman Moise Katumbi is the closest rival at 28.1%. The poll was conducted in partnership with a French Consultancy, Congolese NGO Ebuteli, and New York University’s Congo Research Group.

December 20, 2023 4

Africa

DR Congo polls open amid conflict in east, delays

By Annie Thomas and Emmet Livingstone Polling stations opened Wednesday in a high-stakes Democratic Republic of Congo general election pitting the incumbent President Felix Tshisekedi against a fragmented opposition, while much of the east of the country is mired in conflict. Polling stations opened at 6 am (0400 GMT in the east; 0500 GMT in the west) and will close at 5 pm local time. AFP journalists saw the […]

December 20, 2023 9

Africa

bird TenX: Top 10 African countries on the UNESCO World Heritage sites list

A UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) World Heritage Site has cultural, historical, scientific or other forms of significance and is protected under an international convention. 43 African countries have at least one World Heritage Site and Ethiopia has 11. Here is a list of the African countries that boast the most of these must-see sites: Ethiopia (11) Bale Mountains National Park - an Afroalpine area that […]

December 20, 2023 9

Africa

DRC election campaigns enter final day

Campaigns for the Democratic Republic of Congo's election are due to end today, two days before voters go to the polls. According to the BBC, insecurity, health and education are among key issues that have dominated campaigns as the country gears up for the vote. It is unclear whether the elections will take place in the restive east where dozens of armed groups are active.

December 18, 2023 15