On December 20, the Democratic Republic of Congo will hold a presidential election. However, in the eastern part of the country, an estimated 1 million people are afraid to go out and vote. An EU group of 40 observers cancelled plans to monitor the election out of fear of violence. How did this simple act of democracy become so threatened?
The Democratic Republic of Congo is a nation of 92 million people in the center of Africa, about the size of western Europe. It is the world’s largest producer of cobalt, the world’s sixth largest producer of industrial diamonds, Africa’s largest producer of copper, and a major producer of gold, zinc, manganese, and other minerals. The mineral wealth under Congo’s soil is valued at $24T, making it potentially one of the world’s richest countries. But despite that potential wealth, Congo remains one of the world’s poorest countries. Roughly 60% of its population exists on $2.15 per day or less. Ninety-seven percent of 10-year-olds cannot read simple text. And conflicts have killed five million people in recent decades. In the east, where 120 militias vie for control, almost 7 million people have been displaced. Meanwhile, the upcoming elections are being called “ill prepared” and “troubled,” and political persecutions have increased. So, how did it come to this? The answer lies in history.
The Kingdom of Kongo was the largest chiefdom the world has ever seen. It began in the late-14th century and lasted until the 17th century. Chiefdoms transition to fiefdoms upon receipt of writing, which the Portuguese brought in the 15th century. However, the Portuguese suppressed the transition, fearing that a rival would interrupt its robust slave trade. Likewise, the transition from fiefdom to nation-state (which comes with printing) was suppressed in the 19th century by Belgians who feared a challenger would undermine its profitable rubber trade. So, when Congo gained independence in 1960, a chiefdom culture was superimposed on a nation-state, fracturing the country into civil war. Eventually, Mobutu Sese Seko rose to power, but with a chiefdom mindset, he pillaged the country.
Despite challenges, evolutionary progress is being made. Congo held its first election in 2006. It had its first peaceful transfer of power in 2019. Moreover, people believe in democracy and see voting as a symbol of hope and progress. It may take generations, but with support from the west, instead of suppression, progress could be accelerated.
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Photo: Justin Mankara, Reuters