Scene Setter for Planned December Election in DRC

Play Button Pause Button
0:00 0:00
x
Episode Guests
  • John Campbell
    Ralph Bunche Senior Fellow for Africa Policy Studies

Show Notes

Though Prime Minister Bruno Tshibala of Democratic Republic of Congo officially announced on June 12 that President Joseph Kabila would not stand for a controversial third term, this has not ended speculation that Kabila, whose term of office expired in 2016, will find a way to continue to stay in power. Shortly thereafter, in what will surely complicate the election, the International Criminal Court acquitted Jean-Pierre Bemba, the former Congolese vice president, an ex-warlord, and a fierce rival of Kabila. Before these announcements were made, I sat down with Comfort Ero, the Africa program director for International Crisis Group, to discuss a new Crisis Group report on the situation in Congo as the tentative December election date approaches. Our discussion focuses on technical issues facing election officials, challenges that the opposition faces, the role of international and regional actors, and President Kabila’s personal situation.

Kenya

In this episode of Africa in Transition, John Campbell speaks with Vincent Makori, host of Africa 54, Voice of America's daily African news show. We discuss the current state of Kenya's politics, foc…

Sub-Saharan Africa

In this episode of Africa in Transition, John Campbell speaks with Ned Dalby, a senior research analyst with International Crisis Group and lead contributor to the new report Double-Edged Sword: Vigi…

South Africa

In this episode of Africa in Transition, John Campbell speaks with Crispian Olver, a former senior South African government official, member of the African National Congress (ANC), and author of the …

Top Stories on CFR

RealEcon

Policymakers face complex cost-benefit considerations when intervening in the market to mitigate perceived risks, from climate change to competition with China.

Ukraine

Nine charts illustrate the extraordinary level of support the United States has provided Ukraine in its war against Russian invaders.

Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

An impending Israeli ground invasion of Rafah could threaten more than a million civilians seeking refuge in the city and further restrict humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.