In the DRC, the Ceni begins the registration operations for voters for the third operational area. To do this, it has planned census operations in the displaced areas of North Kivu, but for the civil societies of Nyiragongo, Rutshuru and Masisi, this is not possible.
The Independent National Electoral Commission has confirmed the start of voter registration operations on Thursday, February 16 for the third operational area. This is in preparation for the presidential, legislative and provincial deadlines at the end of the year.
This third zone concerns a large part of the east of the country and in particular North Kivu, which has been facing an offensive by the rebel group M23 for almost a year now. Violence that caused major population movements, more than 500,000 people. The CENI therefore plans a census in the displacement areas, but for the civil societies of Nyiragongo, Rutshuru and Masisi this is not possible.
A census yet provided for by law
The leaders of these civil societies mention several reasons for refusing this enlistment: the displaced lack everything and are suffering, we cannot manage anything other than the emergency, according to them, especially since some of the inhabitants who have remained in the areas under rebel control will simply not be counted.
On the side of the Electoral Commission, it is assured that the census of displaced persons in the camps is provided for by law, whether in North Kivu, but also in Ituri where many families have also fled the abuses of the armed groups Codeco and ADF.
Maryam Lahbal