...formerly the Congo Free State, Belgian Congo, Zaire, and who knows what else, not to be confused with the Brazzaville Congo aka Republic of Congo, which is much smaller and much more (for Africa) stable. DRC gave the world Patrice Lumumba and Joseph Mobutu, followed by years of tedious civil war. Its principle industry seems to be the production of corpses. With a population of about 74 million it has lots of raw material...
declined to authorize satellite equipment for European Union
...the successor to the Holy Roman Empire, only without the Hapsburgs and the nifty uniforms and the dancing...election observers, expressing concerns that it could be utilized to manipulate the upcoming presidential poll later this month, as reported by multiple sources.
"Some organizations come with technology that could effectively penetrate the electronic system of the CENI (Independent National Electoral Commission) and be able to manipulate the election results," said Peter Kazadi, Minister of the Interior and Security.
In an unexpected move on November 29, the EU called off its electoral mission to the central African nation, citing technical issues.
"We wanted this process to be as transparent as possible. That is why, in a sovereign way, we invited these international organizations. But we will not accept that someone comes to manipulate the elections to change the will of the Congolese people that they will express tomorrow at the polls," added M. Kazadi.
The government, acknowledging its regret over the cancellation of the observation mission, faced criticism as several officials revealed that the decision was a result of a prolonged request for permits for satellite equipment.
"We will not shut down the Internet. We are not in a situation of war or popular uprising. Tomorrow there will be a morning, there will be a noon, there will be an evening, and we will each sleep tranquilly in our homes," concluded the Minister of the Interior and Security.
Congolese civil society, the US-based Carter Center and the 16-nation Southern African Development Community will observe the election on December 20th.
Related:
Democratic Republic of the Congo: 2023-12-16 DRC: Corneille Nangaa joins forces with M23 to create political platform
Democratic Republic of the Congo: 2023-12-11 DR Congo's opposition leader Katumbi, promises to 'liberate the country'
Democratic Republic of the Congo: 2023-12-09 East African force begins withdrawal from DRC
Democratic Republic of the Congo: 2023-12-16 DRC: Corneille Nangaa joins forces with M23 to create political platform
Democratic Republic of the Congo: 2023-12-11 DR Congo's opposition leader Katumbi, promises to 'liberate the country'
Democratic Republic of the Congo: 2023-12-09 East African force begins withdrawal from DRC
Related:
European Union: 2023-12-18 Hamas operates all over Germany, investigation finds
European Union: 2023-12-17 Spanish and Indian warships rush in to investigate suspected pirate attack off Somalia
European Union: 2023-12-16 Denmark says 4 arrested over suspected terror plot
European Union: 2023-12-18 Hamas operates all over Germany, investigation finds
European Union: 2023-12-17 Spanish and Indian warships rush in to investigate suspected pirate attack off Somalia
European Union: 2023-12-16 Denmark says 4 arrested over suspected terror plot
Related:
Carter Center: 2023-11-29 Jimmy Carter, 99, Makes Rare Appearance at Late Wife Rosalynn Carter's Memorial Service
Carter Center: 2023-11-20 Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter Passes Away at 96
Carter Center: 2023-02-19 Jimmy Carter to receive hospice care at home
Carter Center: 2023-11-29 Jimmy Carter, 99, Makes Rare Appearance at Late Wife Rosalynn Carter's Memorial Service
Carter Center: 2023-11-20 Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter Passes Away at 96
Carter Center: 2023-02-19 Jimmy Carter to receive hospice care at home
Related:
Southern African Development Community: 2023-12-12 DRC: Burundian soldiers leave East African force
Southern African Development Community: 2023-08-26 Observers question credibility of Zimbabwe vote. Really,
Southern African Development Community: 2023-08-25 Mozambique: Army kills two senior rebel leaders in Cabo Delgado
Southern African Development Community: 2023-12-12 DRC: Burundian soldiers leave East African force
Southern African Development Community: 2023-08-26 Observers question credibility of Zimbabwe vote. Really,
Southern African Development Community: 2023-08-25 Mozambique: Army kills two senior rebel leaders in Cabo Delgado