Congo divided again: Beyond the 2011 elections

President Kabila campaigned under the slogan "for a united Congo". However, the country now stands divided into two camps, between those who believe his re-election to be legitimate and those who don’t.

How then can the people of Congo build a more stable and effective democracy?
Can long-lasting solutions to the many challenges facing the country be found?
What can domestic and international actors do?

These questions will be discussed by a group of experts convened by the Royal African Society and the Oxford Central Africa Forum.

14 February, 16:00 to 19:30

School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), Lecture Theatre G2, Russell Square Campus, London

Programme

Pragmatism trumps democracy in Congo

Maintaining the status quo and lack of leverage over Kabila is how Michelle Faul sums up the West’s response to Congo’s chaotic elections.
Full story.

Congo Elections Open New Wounds

"An incumbent entourage that is likely to continue pillaging the country's resources opposes an aged runner-up with a political ego larger than his capacity to propose a constructive political agenda."

"Europe and the US have relatively little leverage over President Joseph Kabila because DR Congo has the natural resources that the world needs."

"Mr Tshisekedi is not going to bow down to Mr Kabila or be shoehorned into a power-sharing arrangement."
Full BBC story