2006 Democratic Republic of the Congo general election

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2006 DR Congo general election
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Presidential election
30 July 2006 (first round)
29 October 2006 (second round)
Turnout70.54% (first round)
65.36% (second round)
  Joseph kabila.jpg Jean-Pierre Bemba 2006, VOA.jpg
Nominee Joseph Kabila Jean-Pierre Bemba
Party Independent MLC
Popular vote9,436,7796,819,822
Percentage58.05%41.95%
2006 Democratic Republic of the Congo presidential election by province (1st round).svg
2006 Democratic Republic of the Congo presidential election by province (2nd round).svg
President before election

Joseph Kabila
Independent

Elected President

Joseph Kabila
Independent

General elections were held in the Democratic Republic of the Congo on 30 July 2006. They were the first multiparty elections in the country in 41 years, and the first since the overthrow of longtime leader Mobutu Sese Seko nine years earlier. Voters went to the polls to elect both a new President of the Republic and a new National Assembly, the lower-house of the Parliament.

Contents

The polls were boycotted by the veteran opposition leader, Étienne Tshisekedi, who complained of fraud. The international community donated $460 million to fund the elections and deployed the world's largest UN peacekeeping operation, MONUC, to help the stability of the election. While the election was conducted relatively peacefully, the collection of the results proved chaotic, leading to armed clashes and growing fears of instability. As a result, DRC election officials announced that they would begin to release partial results earlier instead of only announcing the final count on 20 August. [1]

On 20 August, the CEI released its full provisional presidential election results, indicating that neither candidate was able to secure a majority, which led to a run-off election on 29 October. On that day, voters went to the polls to vote in:

On 15 November, the CEI released its full provisional results for the presidential election's second round, indicating that Joseph Kabila had won. The results were, however, rejected by Bemba who claimed irregularities. On 27 November, the DRC Supreme Court confirmed that Kabila had won the election.

Registration and voter turnout

Over 25 million people registered to vote for the elections, in a country where the exact population is not known, but is likely in excess of 60 million. The Independent Electoral Commission (CEI or La Commission Electorale Indépendante) reported a voter turnout of 80 percent. [3]

Candidates

Thirty-three people registered as candidates for the Presidency [4] and 9,000 for the 500 seats in the federal parliament. [5]

The initial presidential favourites were Joseph Kabila, the incumbent, and Jean-Pierre Bemba, one of the four vice-presidents.

Conduct

A polling place in Kasai-Occidental (central DRC) Suomalaisia sotilaita Kongon vaaleissa 2006.jpg
A polling place in Kasai-Occidental (central DRC)
31 May 2006 demonstration in Kinshasa against the delay of Elections. CongoDemonstrants2006.jpg
31 May 2006 demonstration in Kinshasa against the delay of Elections.

At least six people were killed in violent street protests in the run-up to the election. [6]

As of 30 July, most polling stations were reported to have opened on time, with the election remaining peaceful. [7] The election closely followed an agreement with Ituri militias on 28 July, an agreement which MONUC has stated "greatly enhances the security situation in the province in the lead-up to the historic DRC elections." [8]

Violence in Kasai

Presumed supporters of Étienne Tshisekedi burned polling stations and voting materials in the city of Mbuji-Mayi, capital of East Kasai province, on Sunday to prevent the elections being held. The elections were extended until Monday and riot police were deployed. [9] The Economist stated President Kabila was "making full use of his control of the security services and his monopoly of the state media" to secure the election. [10] A report by Human Rights Watch detailed violence in the campaign. In one raid, "agents of the special police" stormed a Christian television station, arresting a pastor critical of the political process, beating technicians and destroying the broadcasting equipment. The government also imprisoned a journalist for "insulting the head of state." Shooting of protestors by soldiers was routine. [11] [12]

Fraud allegations

On the day of the election three vice-presidents and candidates complained of vote rigging. Bemba, Ruberwa and Z'Ahidi said "Perhaps we are heading for a masquerade or a parody of elections". [13]

Clashes in Kinshasa

Starting on 20 August heavy armed clashes took place in Kinshasa between forces loyal to Kabila and Bemba. Both sides accused the other of starting the fighting. [14]

On 21 August, while a meeting between Bemba and foreign ambassadors representing the International Committee Accompanying the Transition to Democracy (CIAT) [15] was taking place in Kinshasa, clashes broke out between Kabila and Bemba forces, and Bemba's residence, which hosted the meeting, came under attack. According to one diplomat in the residence, it included artillery and heavy machine gun fire. [16] Bemba and the diplomats were moved to the safety of the residence's shelter and there were no reports of injuries. Evacuation plans for the diplomats stranded in the shelter were reportedly being drawn up. Bemba's private helicopter was said to have been destroyed in the attack. [17] Several hours later, the UN spokesperson in the DRC, Jean-Tobias Okala, announced that the foreign diplomats, including MONUC chief William Swing, had been successfully evacuated to UN headquarters by Spanish and Uruguayan peace-keeping forces after a top Kabila general and UN forces commander cooperated to allow them safe passage. [18]

Once the rescue had been completed, fighting in the DRC capital ensued, and on 22 August, two DRC army tanks were reported to be heading toward the latest area of fighting. [14] The EU began sending more peacekeeping troops to Kinshasa and MONUC chief Swing called for an immediate ceasefire. [19] Later on 22 August, the third day of fighting, the two sides signed a tentative ceasefire agreement to withdraw from the centre of Kinshasa. AFP reported that "the deal was signed by representatives of Kabila and Bemba, DRC army, the UN mission MONUC, European force EUFOR and European police mission EUROPOL, meeting as a "working group" at MONUC's Kinshasa headquarters." At least three people died during Tuesday's fighting. [20] Sixteen people were reported killed in the fighting which saw heavy artillery and machine gun fire, with police reporting more bodies found and the death toll expected to rise considerably. [21] Later in the day, Interior Minister Theophile Mbemba Fundu placed the death toll for the week at 23 killed, 43 injured. [22] As of 24 August, the ceasefire remained in effect, with army forces loyal to the two candidates remaining in barracks, but the situation remained unstable. [23] Later in the day, police fired shots in the air to disperse angry crowds demanding that two of Bemba's television stations be reopened. [21] South African Airways announced that flights to Kinshasa would be resumed on 25 August after being suspended since the fighting began. [24]

On 26 August, Kabila and Bemba announced that the two had agreed to meet. [25] Later in the day, however, tensions were heightened as Bemba failed to attend the meeting. [26] On 29 August, MONUC announced that representatives of Kabila and Bemba were due to meet under UN supervision. [27] Later in the day, it was reported that Kabila and Bemba themselves met for the first time since the clashes began. [28] On 30 August, MONUC announced that the meeting resulted in the establishment of two joint sub-commissions, one to conduct an independent investigation of the clashes, and the other to devise rules which will prevent violence from recurring during 29 October run-off election. [29]

Results

Preliminary results were expected on 2 August, [13] but due to the remoteness of many polling stations, results were not expected to be finalised until three weeks after the polls closed. While South African observers approved the election, other monitors expressed concern, including those from the Carter Center. [30] [31] MONUC reported that on 3 August, on the third day of "chaotic poll-counting, a suspicious fire at a major Kinshasa election center deepened concerns over the transparency of the results." [32] According to MONUC, while the election itself may have met requirements, "the process of collecting results from 50,000 polling stations had become chaotic." On 6 August, MONUC predicted that President Joseph Kabila appeared most likely to win, with Jean-Pierre Bemba finishing second. [32]

On 5 August, thousands in eastern DRC were fleeing clashes between the DRC army and forces affiliated with General Laurent Nkunda. DRC officials reported that two government soldiers were killed in the fighting. [31] According to The Independent , Nkunda, who is "widely believed to be in third place in the race for the DRC's presidency," stated that he would respect the results, but along with over 30 other candidates, expressed "determination to resist results which are perceived to be unfair." [33] Nkunda, who remained the subject of an international arrest warrant issued by the DRC government "for alleged atrocities against civilians committed since 2004," expressed a willingness to negotiate with the winner of the election, but also, determination to resist any military attack. MONUC spokesperson reported that the peacekeeping force had begun patrolling in the area and that fighting has become limited to isolated incidents. [34]

While the official provisional election results were not to be announced until 20 August, on 7 August, due to the tense climate brought by the chaotic collection of results and after pressure from international envoys (led by South Africa), the DRC Electoral Commission stated that it would begin releasing interim election results as soon as the 20 percent vote count threshold was reached. [1] On 8 August, some results were released, indicating that Kabila "overwhelmingly won" in the east while Bemba won in the west. A UN representative stated that it is too early to declare a winner. Preliminary national results were not expected until at least 14 August. [35] On 12 August, the DRC Independent Electoral Commission announced that six poll officials have been arrested for attempting to falsify the election results. [36] The officials were arrested on 10 August, and appeared in court on 11 August. [37] On 15 August, the IEC reported that 94 percent of the presidential votes and 44 percent of the parliamentary results had been counted. [38] MONUC cautioned against media speculation on the results, while the instability in eastern DRC continued. [39]

On 16 August, Angola deployed four battalions along the DRC border. The Angolan army's Deputy Chief of Staff, General Geraldo Sachipendo Nunda, said that these were steps taken "to ensure the security of our borders," although it was speculated that Angola was preparing to intervene, if the need arose, in favor of Kabila. [40] On 17 August, the UN began investigating a suspected child prostitution ring involving UN peacekeepers and members of the DRC army. [41] Also on 17 August, MONUC chief William Lacy Swing, warned against hate messages in local Bemba-run media which called on Congolese to target white people and foreigners. [42] This was in response to a widespread perception that Kabila's election had been backed by the international community. [43] In response, the Congolese High Authority on Media suspended the RTAE and CCTV (owned by Bemba) television stations for twenty-four hours. The government-owned Congolese Broadcasting Corporation television station, controlled by Kabila, also received a twenty-four-hour suspension. [44]

President

The CEI released its full provisional results for the presidential election on 20 August. The DRC Supreme Court planned to announce the final official presidential election results on 31 August. The CEI was set to release the results of the parliamentary election in early September. [45] Both events ended up being postponed.

Results of the first round of the 2006 presidential election by Province. Candidates: Kabila; Bemba; Gizenga Drcongo-2006election-results.png
Results of the first round of the 2006 presidential election by Province. Candidates: Kabila; Bemba; Gizenga

On 20 August, with almost all the votes from the country's 169 constituencies having been counted, the DRC headed toward a run-off election. There were reports of automatic gunfire in Kinshasa, and MLC representatives accused Kabila's Republican Guard of killing one of its men and injuring three policemen. [47] The armed clashes resulted in the long-awaited CEI announcement ceremony being delayed by several hours. [48] Full provisional results show Kabila with 44.81 percent of the vote, to Bemba's 20.03. Gizenga secured about 13 percent, [49] Mobutu about 5 percent and Kashala around 4 percent. [50]

On 5 September, the DRC Supreme Court, which was set to release the official results of the election's first round, announced it would be postponing doing so pending two legal challenges which might deem the forthcoming second round of elections unconstitutional. [51] MONUC, however, stated on 6 September that it is satisfied with the electoral process, but expressed concern over the humanitarian situation. [52]

During late October 2006, as the date for the presidential run-off approached, security concerns were increasingly expressed. On 26 October, the CEI stated that the North Kivu province could see security threats. While MONUC stated that they "'do not foresee any major problems,'" [53] the next day, 27 October, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan stated that he was "very concerned about the increasing level of violence as election day approaches" [54] [55] The head of the South African observer mission, Mluleki George, stated, however, that he expected the election would "'be held under normal and peaceful conditions.'" As well, rebel leader Laurent Nkunda reiterated he would respect the results, [56] a pledge which was also expressed by Bemba. [57]

On 29 October, the South African Broadcasting Corporation (which a day earlier had condemned police violence against its correspondent [58] ) reported that despite delays in the Kinshasa area, caused by heavy rains, voting was "running smoothly in most other parts of the DRC." [59] The African Union hailed "the smooth conduct" of the election and appealed for calm as vote counting began. [60] Carter Center chief observer, former Canadian Prime Minister Joe Clark, stated that "attempted manipulation of the electoral process, while very serious in a few cases, appear at this point to be isolated and unlikely to affect the overall success of the vote." [61]

During the first day of voting, violent clashes in the Equateur province resulted in two fatalities. [62] [63] MONUC stated later in the day that "the situation has returned to calm and voting operations are taking place normally throughout Equateur." Additional reports of clashes remained unconfirmed, but these appeared to have been limited to Equateur. [64] On 30 October, as vote counting began, MONUC reported that a soldier killed two poll workers in the town of Fataki, Ituri Province, resulting in riots which led to the destruction of 43 polling stations. The reason for the shooting remain unclear, but it appears that the soldier was drunk. [65] The soldier has been sentenced to death for the murders. [66]

The results of the presidential run-off were to be released on 19 November 2006. [54] On 30 October, voter turnout was estimated to have been low. [67] The head of the CEI, Apollinaire Malumalu, warned on 1 November against releasing partial preliminary results to prevent the same violent clashes which followed during the election's first round. [68] Three days later, however, the CEI decided to prerelease partial preliminary results to stem the spread of rumours, [69] a decision analogous to the unscheduled prerelease that took place during the first round. On 6 November, results from 12 of 169 constituencies showed Kabila in the lead. [70] On 8 November, the two candidates met and issued calls for calm. The meeting came as accusations from Bemba's coalition were directed against the CEI for skewing the results in favour of Kabila, a claim dismissed by a CEI official as false and inflammatory. [71]

On 10 November, with votes from 112 of 169 constituencies counted and a voter turnout of about 67 percent, Kabila was leading with about 60 percent of the votes. [72] The final results were released by the CEI on 15 November and were confirmed by the Supreme Court on 27 November.

CandidatePartyFirst roundSecond round
Votes%Votes%
Joseph Kabila Independent7,590,48544.819,436,77958.05
Jean-Pierre Bemba Movement for the Liberation of the Congo 3,392,59220.036,819,82241.95
Antoine Gizenga Unified Lumumbist Party 2,211,28013.06
Nzanga Mobutu Union of Mobutuist Democrats 808,3974.77
Oscar Kashala Union for Congolese Reconstruction  [ fr ]585,4103.46
Azarias Ruberwa Rally for Congolese Democracy 285,6411.69
Pierre Pay-Pay wa Syakasighe DCF–COFEDEC 267,7491.58
Lunda Bululu Rally of Social and Federalist Forces237,2571.40
Joseph Olenghankoy MukundjiNew Forces for Union and Solidarity102,1860.60
Pierre Anatole Matusila Malungeni Ne KongoIndependent99,4080.59
Antipas Mbusa Forces for Renewal 96,5030.57
Bernard Emmanuel Kabatu SuilaLiberal Socialist Union86,1430.51
Eugène Diomi Ndongala Christian Democracy85,8970.51
Banyingela Kasonga Alliance of Peasants and Ecologist82,0450.48
Christophe Mboso N'Kodia PwangaConvention for the Republic and Democracy78,9830.47
Likulia Bolongo Independent77,8510.46
Roger Lumbala Rally of Congolese Democrats and Nationalists 75,6440.45
Justine Kasa-Vubu Movement of Democrats75,0650.44
Guy-Patrice Lumumba Independent71,6990.42
Cathérine Marthe Nzuzi wa MbomboPopular Movement of the Revolution–Fait Privé65,1880.38
Alou Bonioma KalokolaIndependent63,6920.38
Paul-Joseph Mukungubila Independent59,2280.35
Arthur Z'ahidi Ngoma Camp of the Fatherland 57,2770.34
Kavidi Wivine N'Landu Union for the Defense of the Republic54,4820.32
Gérard Kamanda wa Kamanda FCN–Me Kamanda52,0840.31
Florentin Mokonda Bonza Convention of Christian Democrats 49,2920.29
Alafuele Mbuyi KalalaRally for a New Society44,0300.26
Jacob Niemba SougaCPC40,1880.24
Jonas Mukamba Kadiata Nzemba Alliance of Congolese Democrats 39,9730.24
Marie-Thérèse Nlandu Mpolo Nene Party for Peace in Congo35,5870.21
Osée Muyima NdjokoRenewal for Development and Democracy25,1980.15
Hassan Thassinda Uba ThassindaAfrican Congress of Democrats23,3270.14
Timothée Moleka NzulamaPeople's Union for Peace and Love17,7530.10
Total16,937,534100.0016,256,601100.00
Valid votes16,937,53494.4616,256,60197.84
Invalid/blank votes993,7045.54358,8782.16
Total votes17,931,238100.0016,615,479100.00
Registered voters/turnout25,420,19970.5425,420,19965.36
Source: African Elections Database

National Assembly

On 25 August, MONUC announced that the parliamentary results would be released as early as that day, [73] but as of 27 August, they had yet to be released. On 28 August, the CEI began releasing the legislative results, with the final count expected 4 September. [74] On 4 September, the CEI postponed releasing the results of the parliamentary elections by at least a day following the arrest of ten Bemba-affiliated election officials. Still, the CEI announced that these problems would not affect the results. [75] The results so far released, show Kabila at a strong lead with 45% of the seats to Bemba's 14%, the remaining going to other parties. Of the 500 parliamentary seats, 58 have yet to be released. [76]

On 8 September, the CEI released the results, revealing that no single party gained the 251 seats needed to secure a majority. Kabila's PPRD won 111 seats, while Bemba's MLC won 64 seats. [77] As of that date, the CEI was to have fifteen days to set the date for the first session of parliament, notwithstanding any Supreme Court rulings on its final composition.[ citation needed ]

PartySeats
People's Party for Reconstruction and Democracy 111
Movement for the Liberation of the Congo 64
Unified Lumumbist Party 34
Social Movement for Renewal 27
Forces for Renewal 26
Rally for Congolese Democracy 15
Coalition of Congolese Democrats 10
Convention of Christian Democrats 10
Union of Mobutuist Democrats 9
Camp of the Fatherland 8
DCF–COFEDEC 8
Christian Democratic Party 8
Union of Federalist Nationalists of Congo 7
Congolese Alliance of Christian Democrats 4
Alliance of Congolese Democrats 4
United Congolese Convention 4
Resistance Patriots Maï-Maï 4
Rally of Congolese Democrats and Nationalists 4
Union of the People for Republic and Integral Development 4
Alliance of Builders of Kongo 3
Democratic Convention for Development 3
Convention for the Republic and Democracy 3
National Alliance Party for Unity 3
Party of Nationalists for Integral Development 3
Union of Congolese Patriots 3
National Union of Federalist Democrats 3
Alliance of Congolese Believing Nationalists 2
Alliance for the Renewal of Congo 2
Renewing Forces for Union and Solidarity 2
Movement for Democracy and Development 2
Congolese Party for Good Governance 2
People's Revolution Party 2
Democratic Social Christian Party 2
Rally of Social and Federalist Forces 2
Electoral Platform Renaissance 2
Solidarity for National Development 2
Union for the Republican Majority 2
National Union of Christian Democrats 2
Action of the Rally for Reconstruction and Edification 1
Alliance of Congolese Nationalists 1
Conscience and People's Will 1
Christian Convention for Democracy 1
Christian Union for Renewal and Justice 1
National Convention of Political Action 1
National Convention for Republic and Progress 1
Christian Democracy 1
Front of Congolese Democrats 1
Front for Social Integration 1
Social Front of Independent Republicans 1
Front of Social Democrats for Development 1
Republican Generations 1
Action Movement for Resurrection of the Congo-Fraternity and Labour Party 1
Self-Defence Movement for Integrity and Maintenance of Independent Authority 1
Congolese People's Movement for the Republic 1
Popular Movement of the Revolution 1
Solidarity Movement for Democracy and Development 1
Lumumbist Progressive Movement 1
Maï Maï Movement 1
Political Organisation of Kasavubists and Allies 1
Congolese Party for the People's Well-Being 1
National Unity Party 1
National People's Party 1
Rally of Christians for the Congo 1
Rally of Congolese Ecologists – The Greens 1
Rally for Economic and Social Development 1
Congolese Union for Change 1
Liberal Christian Democrats Union 1
Union of Congolese Nationalist Patriots 1
Union for the Defence of the Republic 1
Independents63
Total500
Source: African Elections Database

Aftermath

On 11 November, a shootout took place for several hours after police had fired shots in the air to disperse Bemba supporters who were demonstrating near Bemba's residence in Kinshasa to protest vote counting during the run-off. The shooting ceased after MONUC mediated a meeting between representatives of the two groups. At least four people were reported to have died in the clashes. [78] On 13 November, DRC police arrested 337 people, including 87 children, suspected to have been involved in 11 November clashes. [79]

After being declared winner, Kabila hinted that Bemba would play a role in the new government, stating that "the effort now must be nation building, it must be reconstruction. The government that will be put in place will be a government of coalition." [80] Bemba, who boycotted the hearings after the Supreme Court refused to consider further challenges over alleged "systematic cheating", was not immediately available for comment. [81] On 28 November, Bemba released a statement saying that while he condemns the ruling, he accepts the results and is prepared to lead a "strong republican opposition in the interests of the nation". [82] [83] Kabila was sworn in as president on 6 December. [84]

Bemba rejects results

On 14 November, Bemba rejected the results of the election, [85] which showed Kabila with 60 to Bemba's 40 percent, with 90 percent of the votes (159 out of 169 constituencies) having been counted. Bemba's supporters stated that "the Union for the Nation will not accept an electoral hold-up that aims to steal victory from the Congolese people", and that they were not bound by their promise to accept the results if they thought there was electoral fraud. [86] Bemba's UFN coalition maintained he was leading with 52 to Kabila's 48 percent. [87]

On 17 November, Bemba told reporters that he rejected the interim results, citing irregularities. He said that he "cannot accept the results that are far from reflecting the truth of the election results," and that he would "use all the legal channels to respect the will of our people." [88] Bemba, on 18 November, filed a complaint to the Supreme Court over his claims of electoral irregularities. A member of his UFN coalition had said that: "there were many, many irregularities. It was not at all democratic. We are confident the supreme court will correct the result." [89]

Supreme Court fire

On 21 November, part of the Supreme Court building was burned down amid gunfire during a session in which the Court was reviewing an electoral fraud complaint. No casualties were reported. The direct cause for the fire was unclear, but it followed a demonstration by Bemba supporters who were seeking entry into the building. According to Interior Minister Denis Kalume, "armed men who infiltrated the demonstrators opened fire on the police and from then everything went haywire." MONUC, who evacuated judges, lawyers, and CEI officials from the building, attributed the incident to "uncontrolled elements." [90] On 22 November, it was announced that the Supreme Court would be relocated to several parts of the capital, and possibly, the country. [91] The South African observation mission and the Carter Center both expressed approval of the second round. [90] [92] Bemba's coalition lawyer Delly Sesanga, however, argued in favour of "the cancellation of the poll" due to "too many irregularities." [90] Tensions remained high after the DRC army surrounded Bemba's compound in Kinshasa. [93]

Kabila issues ultimatum to Bemba

On 23 November, about 50 soldiers of Bemba's security detail in Kinshasa, estimated at 600-to-1,000 soldiers, [94] [95] left his residence there and were moved to one in Maluku following pressure by Kabila for Bemba to move some, or all, [96] of his troops within 48 hours. [97] [98] A Kabila official, however, said that this was "absolutely not an ultimatum." Another 100 of Bemba's troops were expected to leave the capital later in the day. [95] On 24 November, the "ultimatum" expired with few, if any, additional Bemba troops removed from the capital. This made it increasingly likely that Kabila would order the DRC army, which continued to surround Bemba's compound, to remove Bemba's soldiers itself. Such an act would greatly increase the likelihood for further armed confrontations. [99] MONUC has said that, if needed, its peacekeepers will help the DRC army to enforce the ultimatum. [100]

Offensive by Nkunda in Sake

On 25 November, forces loyal to General Laurent Nkunda engaged more than 2,000 soldiers against the DRC army 11th Brigade around the town of Sake (near Goma), Nord-Kivu. Three soldiers and three civilians were killed, and close to 20 people were wounded. MONUC has sent 1,000 soldiers to secure the area. According to UN, "'15 000 and 20 000 people had been displaced by the fighting.'" MONUC spokesperson said that by morning "there were still some shots, but calm was mostly restored," and that Nkunda forces had retreated back and "all of the 11th Brigades's positions are under control," [101] [102] On 26 November, MONUC reported that it had clashed with Nkunda's forces who were moving toward Goma, stating: "we fired warning shots from attack helicopters and our troops on the ground have engaged them in Sake." [103] It was later suggested that the attack may not have been related to the election, but rather, was in reaction to the "killing of a Tutsi civilian who was close to one of the commanders in this group." The UN called on the DRC government to negotiate with Nkunda and on 27 November, DRC Interior Minister, General Denis Kalume, was sent to eastern DRC to begin negotiations. [104] Sporadic fire was still reported on 29 November. [105]

Supreme Court decision

On 24 November, three days after the fire, the Supreme Court resumed its activities in a small, heavily guarded room in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Bemba lawyers, however, questioned the impartiality and number of judges involved, arguing that too many of them favour Kabila. Bemba's lead attorney Jean-Marie Tshibangu stated that: "it is not the competence of the court but the competence of its composition that we are challenging." [106] On 26 November, presiding judge Kalonda Kele said a ruling over Bemba's challenge would be announced the next day. [107]

On 27 November, the Supreme Court dismissed Bemba's challenge as "unfounded" and confirmed that Kabila had won the election, stating that: "Mr Kabila Kabange, Joseph, is proclaimed president of the Democratic Republic of Congo, elected by absolute majority." [108] [109]

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Antoine Gizenga was a Congolese (DRC) politician who was the Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo from 30 December 2006 to 10 October 2008. He was the Secretary-General of the Unified Lumumbist Party.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jean-Pierre Bemba</span> Congolese politician

Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo is a politician in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). He has served as Deputy Prime Minister of Defense since 2023. He was previously one of four vice-presidents in the transitional government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo from 17 July 2003 to December 2006. He led the Movement for the Liberation of the Congo (MLC), a rebel group turned political party. He received the second-highest number of votes in the 2006 presidential election. In January 2007, he was elected to the Senate.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2007 Democratic Republic of the Congo gubernatorial elections</span>

Gubernatorial elections were held in the Democratic Republic of the Congo on 27 January 2007, though they were originally scheduled for 16 January and 19 January. The governors and vice-governors were chosen through indirect election by the members of the provincial assemblies; the delay was a result of the difficulties in choosing traditional chiefs to fill the places reserved for them in the provincial assemblies. The second round of voting would only have been necessary in those cases where no candidate had received an absolute majority in the first round, which was not the case anywhere. However, voting was rescheduled in Kasai-Occidental and Kasai-Oriental on 10 February to 15 February, because the Union of the Nation candidates were disqualified because they held dual citizenship.

Congolese history in the 2000s has primarily revolved around the Second Congo War (1998–2003) and the empowerment of a transitional government.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kivu conflict</span> Conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

The Kivu conflict is an umbrella term for a series of protracted armed conflicts in the North Kivu and South Kivu provinces in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo which have occurred since the end of the Second Congo War. Including neighboring Ituri province, there are more than 120 different armed groups active in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Currently, some of the most active rebel groups include the Allied Democratic Forces, the Cooperative for the Development of the Congo, the March 23 Movement, and many local Mai Mai militias. In addition to rebel groups and the governmental FARDC troops, a number of national and international organizations have intervened militarily in the conflict, including the United Nations force known as MONUSCO, and an East African Community regional force.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Human rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo</span>

In areas of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the human rights record has remained considerably poor, and serious abuses have been committed. Unlawful killings, disappearances, torture, rape, and arbitrary arrest and detention by security forces increased during the year, and the transitional government took few actions to punish harsh people. Harsh and life-threatening conditions in prison and detention facilities; prolonged pretrial detention; lack of an independent and effective judiciary; and arbitrary interference with privacy, family, and home also remained serious problems. Security forces continued to recruit and retain child soldiers and to compel forced labour by adults and children.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Denis Kalume Numbi</span>

Denis Kalume Numbi is a general and a politician in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). He was part of the Antoine Gizenga government as Minister of State for the Interior, Decentralization and Security. He was replaced in this position on 26 October 2008 by Celestin Mbuyu Kabango when the government headed by Adolphe Muzito was formed.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">National Congress for the Defence of the People</span> Congolese militia

The National Congress for the Defence of the People is a political armed militia established by Laurent Nkunda in the Kivu region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in December 2006. The CNDP was engaged in the Kivu conflict, an armed conflict against the military of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In January 2009, the CNDP split and Nkunda was arrested by the Rwanda government. The remaining CNDP splinter faction, led by Bosco Ntaganda, was planned to be integrated into the national army.

Laurent Nkunda is a former General in the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and is the former warlord operating in the province of Nord-Kivu, sympathetic to Congolese Tutsis and the Tutsi-dominated government of neighbouring Rwanda. Nkunda, who is himself a Congolese Tutsi, commanded the former DRC troops of the 81st and 83rd Brigades of the DRC Army. He speaks English, French, Swahili, Kinyarwanda, Lingala and Kinande. On January 22, 2009, he was put under house arrest in Gisenyi when he was called for a meeting to plan a joint operation between the Congolese and Rwandan militaries.

The Congolese Rally for Democracy–Goma was a faction of the Congolese Rally for Democracy, a rebel movement based in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) during the Second Congo War (1998–2003). After the war, some members of the group continued sporadic fighting in North Kivu. The movement also entered mainstream politics, participating in democratic elections with little success.

The Land Forces, also called the Congolese Army, are the land warfare component and the largest branch of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2018 Democratic Republic of the Congo general election</span>

General elections were held in the Democratic Republic of the Congo on 30 December 2018, to determine a successor to President Joseph Kabila, as well as for the 500 seats of the National Assembly and the 715 elected seats of the 26 provincial assemblies. Félix Tshisekedi (UDPS) won with 38.6% of the vote, defeating another opposition candidate, Martin Fayulu, and Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, backed by the ruling party PPRD. Fayulu alleged that the vote was rigged against him in a deal made by Tshisekedi and outgoing President Kabila, challenging the result in the DRC's Constitutional Court. Different election observers, including those from the country's Roman Catholic Church, also cast doubt on the official result. Nonetheless on 20 January the Court rejected his appeal and declared Tshisekedi as the winner. Parties supporting President Kabila won the majority of seats in the National Assembly. Félix Tshisekedi was sworn in as the 5th President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo on 24 January 2019, making it the first peaceful transition of power in the country since it became independent from Belgium in 1960.

References

  1. 1 2 "Partial DRC election results to be released", Independent Online, 7 August 2006
  2. ↑ (in French) "Publication du calendrier de la suite des opérations électorales" [ permanent dead link ], CEI , 31 July 2006
  3. ↑ "DRC records 80% voter turnout" Archived 29 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine , South African Broadcasting Corporation , 20 August 2006
  4. ↑ (in French) "List of definitive candidates to the presidential elections" Archived 28 August 2006 at the Wayback Machine , CEI , July 2006
  5. ↑ "First results posted in DR Congo", BBC News , 2006-07-31
  6. ↑ "World leaders back Congo polls as democracy test" Archived 29 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine , South African Broadcasting Corporation, 29 July 2006
  7. ↑ "Historic elections get under way in DRC" Archived 29 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine , South African Broadcasting Corporation, 30 July 2006
  8. ↑ "MONUC: Ituri militia agreements are very important for elections security" Archived 19 December 2007 at the Wayback Machine , MONUC , 28 July 2006
  9. ↑ "Congo voting extended in area of boycott" [ permanent dead link ], CNN , 31 July 2006
  10. ↑ Hold your breath for the big one| economist.com| 6 July 2006
  11. ↑ Human Rights Watch: World Report 2007 [ permanent dead link ]
  12. ↑ Stuart Stevens' ... Past Clients| Penn Bullock| 29 October 2012| tnr.com| accessed 29 October 2012
  13. 1 2 Congo drone crash compounds EU soldiers' image problem, Euobserver, 31 July 2006.
  14. 1 2 "Congo-Kinshasa: Fresh Fighting After SA Envoy Rescued in DRC", Cape Argus , 22 August 2006
  15. ↑ "CIAT includes the ambassadors of the five United Nations Security Council permanent members: UK, PRC, France, Russia and the US; as well as Angola, Belgium, Canada, Gabon, Zambia and South Africa and officials from the UN peacekeeping mission MONUC, the European Union and the African Union."
  16. ↑ "DRC: Candidate's residence attacked" Archived 11 March 2007 at the Wayback Machine , Mail & Guardian, 21 August 2006
  17. ↑ "Kabila, Bemba Forces Fight in Congo Capital" Archived 21 August 2006 at the Wayback Machine , Voice of America, 21 August 2006
  18. ↑ "UN frees diplomats trapped in Congo attack", CBC , 21 August 2006
  19. ↑ "UN presses Congo factions to end Kinshasa fighting" Archived 29 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine , SABC, 22 August 2006
  20. ↑ "DRC rivals withdraw forces" Archived 30 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine , AFP, 22 August 2006
  21. 1 2 "DRC police fire shots as fragile truce holds" Archived 13 October 2006 at the Wayback Machine , Mail & Guardian, 24 August 2006
  22. ↑ "23 killed in DRC violence" Archived 24 August 2006 at the Wayback Machine , AFP, 24 August 2006
  23. ↑ "Fragile DRC ceasefire holding" Archived 29 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine , SABC, 24 August 2006
  24. ↑ "SAA flights resume to DRC", Independent Online, 24 August 2006
  25. ↑ "DRC presidential rivals to meet" Archived 2 May 2009 at the Wayback Machine , AFP, 26 August 2006
  26. ↑ "Bemba boycotts Kabila meeting" Archived 1 September 2006 at the Wayback Machine , AFP, 26 August 2006
  27. ↑ "Opposing Congo camps to meet under UN supervision", AFP, 29 August 2006
  28. ↑ "DRC poll rivals meet for talks" Archived 30 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine , AFP, 29 August 2006
  29. ↑ "Candidates Working to Prevent Violence During Runoff" Archived 17 December 2007 at the Wayback Machine , MONUC, 30 August 2006
  30. ↑ On 1 September, the Carter Center released its report on the election's first round, finding it "credible," without "evidence of widespread or systematic manipulation." Still, it pointed to "important procedural flaws that weakened the transparency of the process." ("Carter Center Finds DRC Elections Credible, But Warns of Important procedural Flaws" Archived 5 September 2006 at the Wayback Machine , Voice of America , 1 September 2006)
  31. 1 2 "Concerns over election results in Congo" "Radio New Zealand : News : Story Not Found". Archived from the original on 4 February 2012. Retrieved 6 August 2006., Radio New Zealand , 6 August 2006
  32. 1 2 "Congo ballots go up in flames" Archived 13 October 2007 at the Wayback Machine , MONUC , 6 August 2006
  33. ↑ "Congo elections 'teetering on brink'" Archived 27 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine , The Independent , 5 August 2006
  34. ↑ "Rebel troops clash with army in eastern Congo" Archived 29 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine , South African Broadcasting Corporation 5 August 2006
  35. ↑ "UN: Too Early to Declare Winner Despite Early DRC Election Results" Archived 15 August 2006 at the Wayback Machine , Associated Press , 8 August 2006
  36. ↑ "DRC poll workers arrested for falsifying results" Archived 1 May 2009 at the Wayback Machine , ABC News , 12 August 2006
  37. ↑ "DRC election officials arrested for fraud", Independent Online, 11 August 2006
  38. ↑ "SA observers happy with DRC vote count" Archived 13 October 2006 at the Wayback Machine , Mail & Guardian , 15 August 2006
  39. ↑ "Ethnic rivalry overshadows DRC poll count" Archived 30 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine , Mail & Guardian, 15 August 2006
  40. ↑ "Angola reinforces troops on DRC border" Archived 30 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine , Mail & Guardian, 16 August 2006
  41. ↑ "DRC: UN peacekeepers again accused of sex abuse" Archived 30 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine , Mail & Guardian, 17 August 2006
  42. ↑ "Hate messages in DR Congo media targeting ‘white people’ spark UN concerns", United Nations, 17 August 2006
  43. ↑ Vote Count Continues in Congo Election, The Washington Post , 2006-08-15
  44. ↑ "UN worried about DRC hate messages", Wits Journalism Programme, 20 August 2006
  45. ↑ "Presidential runoff expected ahead of Congolese election results" Archived 29 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine , Deutsche Presse-Agentur , 20 August 2006
  46. ↑ This is the pre-February 2006 Constitution provincial composition.
  47. ↑ "Congo poll heads for runoff, gunfire in Kinshasa", Reuters , 20 August 2006
  48. ↑ "Kabila Faces Runoff in Congo; Violence Delays Ceremony", The New York Times , 20 August 2006
  49. ↑ "DRC: presidential run-off" Archived 22 August 2006 at the Wayback Machine , Special Broadcasting Service , 20 August 2006
  50. ↑ Kinshasa calmer after peace deal, BBC News , 22 August 2006
  51. ↑ "DRC supreme court postpones release of final presidential election results", People's Daily , 5 September 2006
  52. ↑ "MONUC satisfied with DRC electoral process but concerned with humanitarian situation", MONUC, 6 September 2006
  53. ↑ "DRC's security threats troubling: IEC" Archived 29 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine , South African Broadcasting Corporation, 26 October 2006
  54. 1 2 "Congo-Kinshasa: Annan 'Very Concerned' At Rising Violence Ahead of Sunday's Elections", United Nations, 27 October 2006
  55. ↑ "Pre-election violence in Democratic Republic of Congo worries Secretary-General", Relief Web, 27 October 2006
  56. ↑ "DRC rebel leader commits to peace" Archived 29 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine , South African Broadcasting Corporation, 27 October 2006
  57. ↑ "DRC: I will not fight if I lose election – Bemba", Reuters, 27 October 2006
  58. ↑ "SABC condemns beating of reporter in DRC" Archived 30 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine , Mail & Guardian, 28 October 2006
  59. ↑ "Heavy rain delays voting in Kinshasa" Archived 29 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine , South African Broadcasting Corporation, 29 October 2006
  60. ↑ "AU hails DRC polls, appeals for calm" Archived 1 October 2007 at the Wayback Machine , Mail & Guardian, 31 October 2006
  61. ↑ "DRC Observers Seek Transparency in Vote Counting" Archived 2 November 2006 at the Wayback Machine , Voice of America, 1 November 2006
  62. ↑ "DRC election marred by violence" Archived 22 May 2007 at the Wayback Machine , News24, 29 October 2006
  63. ↑ "DRC police open fire as voters go to polls", Independent Online, 30 October 2006
  64. ↑ "DRCongo vote mostly peaceful" [ permanent dead link ], Special Broadcasting Service , 30 October 2006
  65. ↑ "DRC hit by post election riots" Archived 30 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine , News24, 30 October 2006
  66. ↑ "DRC soldier to be killed for murdering officials" Archived 29 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine , South African Broadcasting Corporation, 31 October 2006
  67. ↑ "Low turnout, minor incidents mark DRC elections" Archived 29 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine , Angola Press, 30 October 2006
  68. ↑ "DR Congo: CEI urges vote results caution" Archived 29 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine , Angola Press, 1 November 2006
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  70. ↑ "Early Election Results Released to Dispel Rumours in Strife-Torn DR Congo – UN", United Nations, 6 November 2006
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  73. ↑ "Legislative election results in DR Congo expected any time, says UN mission", United Nations, 25 August 2006
  74. ↑ "Officials start to release DRC results " Archived 27 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine , AFP , 28 August 2006
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  76. ↑ "Kabila likely to head DRC" Archived 30 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine , Reuters, 4 September 2006
  77. ↑ "DRC: Parliamentary polls results out, no party gains majority", Reuters 8 September 2006
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  79. ↑ "DRC: Police arrest 337 over Kinshasa clashes", Reuters 13 November 2006
  80. ↑ "Ex-guerrilla Kabila wins Congo ballot box mandate", Reuters, 27 November 2006
  81. ↑ "Congo Court declares Kabila president", Reuters, 27 November 2006
  82. ↑ "Bemba accepts DR Congo poll loss", BBC News , 28 November 2006
  83. ↑ "DRC: Bemba condemns poll ruling but ready to lead opposition", Reuters, 29 November 2006
  84. ↑ "Joseph Kabila sworn in as Congo's elected president", Reuters, 6 December 2006.
  85. ↑ "DRC's Bemba rejects results showing Kabila win" Archived 1 October 2007 at the Wayback Machine , Mail & Guardian, 14 November 2006
  86. ↑ "Bemba rejects DR Congo poll loss", BBC News , 14 November 2006
  87. ↑ "DRC: Partial data shows Bemba leads in elections" Archived 10 June 2011 at the Wayback Machine , Spero News, 14 November 2006
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  90. 1 2 3 "DRC: Part of the Supreme Court burnt amid gunshots", IRIN , 21 November 2006
  91. ↑ "DRC: Supreme Court to be relocated after fire", Reuters, 22 November 2006
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  93. ↑ "Tension still high in the DRC" [ permanent dead link ], South African Broadcasting Corporation, 22 November 2006
  94. ↑ "First Bemba troops moved from tense Congo capital", Reuters, 23 November 2006
  95. 1 2 "Bemba's military force reduced in DRC", Independent Online, 23 November 2006
  96. ↑ Little detail is available on Kabila's letter to Bemba where these demands were listed.
  97. ↑ "Bemba troops start to leave DRC capital", People's Daily, 23 November 2006
  98. ↑ "Some of Bemba's soldiers moved from Kinshasa as deadline looms", The Star , 24 November 2006
  99. ↑ "Accept Congo results" Archived 1 December 2006 at the Wayback Machine , New Vision , 24 November 2006
  100. ↑ "UN says it will support Congolese troops enforcing Kinshasa ultimatum if needed", United Nations, 24 November 2006
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  102. ↑ "Congo Warlord's Fighters Attack Forces" [ dead link ], The Washington Post , 26 November 2006
  103. ↑ "UN says engages rebels as army flees Congo town", Reuters, 26 November 2006
  104. ↑ "UN Calls for Negotiations in Eastern DRC" Archived 14 December 2006 at the Wayback Machine , Voice of America, 27 November 2006
  105. ↑ "DRC: Sporadic fighting continues near Sake", IRIN , 29 November 2006
  106. ↑ "Congo court resumes election case as deadlines loom" [ dead link ], Reuters, 24 November 2006
  107. ↑ "DRC court to announce ruling on Bemba challenge Monday" Archived 30 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine , The News International , 26 November 2006
  108. ↑ "Congolese court dismisses Bemba challenge", Independent Online, 27 November 2006
  109. ↑ "DRC Supreme Court confirms J. Kabila as President" Archived 22 May 2007 at the Wayback Machine , MONUC, 27 November 2006
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