The Next Congo Crisis being Orchestrated by some actors

FDLR troops march in Democratic Republic of Congo

Within the next 24 Hours the Supreme Court of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is expected to certify the results of the recent Presidential Elections that saw the reelection of Joseph Kabila under conditions that raise great concern regarding whether or not these elections were flawed.

The results of these elections if allowed to stand just are an indicator of how fragile the Internal Situation is within the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The lack of Infrastructure in the Country is another factor in the tensions within the Country as well as the interests of Regional States (ex. Rwanda and Uganda) who currently are conducting Military Campaigns by Proxy in the Country.

It was in this framework that the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs held hearings regarding the Elections and Governance in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. These hearings along with the Statements issued Dec. 17th by the Chairman and the ranking member on the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health and Human Rights show that there is serious concern on Capitol Hill regarding Central Africa.

Therefore those concerned with the situation in the DRC should call upon all parties within the Democratic Republic of the Congo to show restraint while the Process works itself out within the Court System. We ask that steps be taken into account :

1.) The United States, European Union, African Union and other actors offer their support to audit the recent elections. This will be critical to determine where the faults were so that they can be corrected.

2.) We ask that the Obama Administration and its peers remain engaged with the DRC. Any Isolation of the DRC will weaken any attempts at both Democratic & Economic Reforms and encourage Militia Groups in the East to launch new operations without fear of reprisal from a weakened Central Government and thus increase regional tensions.

3.) Any Crimes committed by the Security Forces during the Campaign be investigated and that the Military Justice Sector be strengthened so that any future crimes can be properly investigated and prosecuted

With the certification by the Supreme Court of the Kabila victory there will be an increasing chance of an incident that could once again trigger bloodshed. The question will be is this an internal act by a dissatisfied electorate or a nefarious act committed by outside actors who will benefit from the return of Kabila. But it will be known that the real losers of the DRC Elections are the Congolese People themselves.