UN envoy warns of risk of violence in Congo ahead of vote

The UN envoy for Congo has warned of "the very real risks" of civil unrest and violence in the run-up to scheduled legislative and presidential elections in November.
Maman Sidikou yesterday told the Security Council that the elections are a deeply divisive issue because there is still no agreement on an electoral calendar or a budget for the elections.
In addition, he said, a national dialogue announced by President Joseph Kabila to forge consensus on the electoral process hasn't begun, in part because many major opposition groups are opposed.
Congo hasn't had a peaceful transfer of power in 55 years of independence. Kabila is barred by the constitution from seeking a third term but is widely believed to be seeking to prolong his rule.

Sidikou said many people he has spoken to are skeptical that the rift between the majority party and opposition parties can be bridged, which could delay the electoral calendar.
"In the absence of agreement on the electoral process, political polarization has heightened tensions and contributed to an atmosphere of increased harassment and human rights violations," he said.

Sidikou noted that since last year, the UN peacekeeping force in Congo has registered more than 260 human rights violations related to elections, "mostly against opposition members, civil society representatives and journalists."
Eastern Congo, home to a myriad of armed groups and militias, many vying for control of the region's vast mineral resources, remains the scene of conflict.

Sidikou said there has been "a significant deterioration" in the security situation in eastern Congo in recent weeks, particularly in the Beni and Lubero areas of North Kivu.
He blamed the FDLR and ADF militant groups, among others, for posing a serious threat to civilians in those areas.