Elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo: What’s at stake | DW News Africa

Political campaigns are underway in the Democratic Republic of Congo ahead of December’s general elections. This time, more than 20 candidates are vying for the top job. The country had its first peaceful transition of power in 2019, when the current President Felix Tshisekedi took power. Now he’s asking voters to trust him to lead for another term. But critics say he’s failed to deliver on promises to end conflict, corruption and economic inequality. The DRC is the largest country in sub-Saharan Africa. It shares borders with 9 neighbors and is key to regional stability. It has globally significant natural resources such as cobalt, copper and diamonds. Despite this, many Congolese people are shut out of the country’s mineral wealth. The World Bank says the DRC is one of the five poorest nations in the world. Conflict and instability have plagued the DRC for decades. And there are concerns that the electoral process won’t be as free and fair as it should be.