D.R. Congo: Democratic Republic or Dictatorship Regime?
This year, D.R. Congo has celebrated the Christmas holidays with the death of nearly 22 civilians in North Kivu province after anti-government protests. The violent event had occurred just after the decision of President Joseph Kabila not to leave the office.
The peaceful transition of Presidential power has been part of the discussions between the ruling coalition and opposition parties during an official conference last week. Despite this, Kikaya Bin Karubi, the diplomatic adviser to President Kabila, has explained that Kabila`s decision to remain in office is legitimate since according to the Constitution he has no elected successor. Thus, no elections can be held until 2018.
The use of violence against civilians is not new governmental method of gaining political power in D.R. Congo. After receiving independence from Belgian colonial rule in 1960, the state political leaders have become on charge mainly by organizing military coups and public executions of their predecessors.
