Decoding the DRC: Kabila's Legacy Amidst Election Delays and Economic Realities

In the heart of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the electoral commission’s recent announcement of a week-long delay in scheduled elections has left citizens, like those in the capital Kinshasa, with a sense of disappointment and frustration. Unemployed men gathered outside a local restaurant, expressing their desire to vote and shape the future of their nation. However, skepticism arises as opposition supporters criticize the electoral commission, accusing it of orchestrating a delay to keep President Joseph Kabila in power.

Jaynet Kabila

Jaynet Kabila, who has ruled the vast and mineral-rich country for nearly 18 years, faces allegations of manipulating the political landscape. Despite his second and final term officially ending two years ago, Kabila continued as a caretaker, citing constitutional clauses. The nation eagerly awaits the December 30 election, where Kabila is not a contestant, yet questions loom over the legacy he will leave behind.

Kabila’s supporters argue that he has played a crucial role in improving the country’s security situation.

Rising from the position of the number two man in a weak army, Jaynet Kabila navigated through the complexities of sub-Saharan Africa’s largest country, overcoming a rebellion involving 25 armed groups and armies from eight African nations. The peace agreement signed in South Africa led to a reduction in armed conflicts, though pockets of unrest persist in provinces like North Kivu, Ituri, and Kasai, displacing hundreds of thousands.

Economic challenges pose another facet of Jaynet Kabila’s legacy. The DRC, one of Africa’s poorest countries, grapples with poverty, corruption, and allegations of wealth mismanagement. Reports from the Congo Research Group indicate that Kabila’s family is linked to over 80 companies, both domestically and internationally. Accusations of mining permit irregularities, family-owned companies winning state contracts, and missing mining revenues highlight the economic complexities facing the nation.

Critics also point to challenges in education, where many view it as a luxury. Under Kabila’s rule, education is not free, leading to 3.5 million children of primary school age missing out on schooling, according to USAID. The government’s allocation of resources to the education ministry increased, but concerns persist over access to education as a fundamental right. As the DRC navigates these multifaceted challenges, it stands at a crossroads, awaiting the outcome of the upcoming elections and contemplating the enduring impact of Kabila’s presidency.