Ethnic Targeting in DR Congo’s Elections Raises Concerns of Violence and Disenfranchisement

## Discrimination against Banyamulenge in Congo’s electoral process

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) electoral commission recently updated voter lists ahead of the country’s general elections in December 2023. However, the registration process was marred by violence and discrimination against Banyamulenge – Congolese Tutsis from South Kivu province – due to their ethnicity. This discrimination violates their human rights and threatens their ability to participate in the electoral process.

### Discrimination Against Banyamulenge

In Goma, Bukavu, Nyagenzi, and Uvira in eastern Congo, some Banyamulenge were threatened and temporarily denied access to registration centers due to their ethnicity. Human Rights Watch confirmed this through interviews with victims, witnesses, and community leaders.

The discrimination is fueled by increasing ethnic prejudices in the country since the 2022 surge in attacks by the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels. These attacks have led many in Congo to view Banyamulenge and Tutsi communities as M23 supporters, even though the majority are innocent and have nothing to do with the armed conflict.

One Munyamulenge man was beaten and attacked by Wazalendo – youth groups mobilized to defend their South Kivu localities against armed groups, including M23 rebels – as he went to register at a center in Uvira on February 17. He was later able to register after the police arrived. Another victim, a university staffer in Nyagenzi, was pelted with stones by Wazalendo and only managed to register four days later when the police intervened.

### Importance of Voter Registration

Access to registration centers is essential for citizens to obtain their voter’s cards, a necessary document for voting and a form of identification in Congo. The attacks and discrimination against Banyamulenge and Tutsis may interfere with other national processes, including the population census and identification process.

### Call For Inclusive Elections

As Congo’s December 2023 general elections approach and the crisis in eastern Congo continues, it is essential for the government to ensure inclusive elections without fear of discrimination or intimidation on ethnic grounds.

Comprehensive voter education campaigns must be implemented to prevent ethnic-based discrimination. Law enforcement agencies should enforce the law impartially and appropriately prosecute anyone who commits ethnically motivated harassment or attacks. The government should also prohibit discriminatory practices that may lead to further abuses.

Ultimately, the government must ensure that all Congolese citizens have equal access and opportunity to participate in the electoral process regardless of their ethnicity. By doing so, they can uphold human rights and promote democracy in the country.

DR Congo Elections–elections,ethnictargeting,DRCongo,violence,disenfranchisement