Much-awaited government shuffle brings in opposition parties, bolsters Kabila’s grasp on power
This post has been updated since it was initially published. Over thirteen months after… Read More
A controversial census with a hefty price tag
In the wake of the Blaise Compaoré’s precipitous fall from power, foreign diplomats in Kinshasa report that President Joseph Kabila told his… Read More
Albert Moleka on democracy in the Congo, Etienne Tshisekedi, and the state of the UDPS
Albert Moleka Albert Moleka is a leading official in the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS). Between October 2008 and May 2014, he was first the assistant and spokesman, and later chief of staff and spokesman for Etienne Tshisekedi, the UDPS president. This transcript has been slightly shortened and translated from the original. Mr. Moleka, the opposition is still worried over the possibility of revising the constitution to allow President Kabila to run for a third term. However, since the events in Burkina Faso it seems that supporters of a revision have taken a step back. How do you interpret this? Read More
Distractions and regional politics delay progress on Rwandan rebels
The Grand Congolese Bargain, as seen by many foreign diplomats, was supposed to be: Get… Read More
A year after its defeat, could the M23 make a comeback?
It’s been just over a year since the M23, at the time the most significant… Read More
“Ebola” pre-empts Kabila’s presidential aspirations
Ok, I can tell how that title can be a bit misleading. Perhaps I should… Read More
Interview with Gilles Yabi on protests in Burkina and lessons for other countries
The following is an edited transcript and a translation of an interview with Dr Gilles Yabi. Political analyst and economist, Dr Yabi spent seven years assenior political analyst and then project director for the West Africa Projectof the International Crisis Group. Holding a Ph.D in economics from the university ofClermont-Ferrand in France, Gilles also worked as a journalist for the weeklymagazine Jeune Afrique. After leaving Crisis Group in November 2013, Gilles isnow independent consultant in the fields of conflict analysis, security andpolitical governance in West Africa. He also publishes articles and editorials on his blog: Le Blog deGilles Yabi (http://gillesyabi.blogspot.com) Read More
Could Lwili reach Kinshasa? Lessons from the streets of Burkina Faso
The momentous events in Burkina Faso last week have reverberated across Africa, and nowhere more… Read More
Who wants to change the Congolese constitution?
President Kabila has not confirmed it himself, but most Congolese today believe it to be… Read More
Copycat Constitutional Revisionists
As readers will know, the DR Congo is currently embroiled in endless debate over a… Read More
String of massacres reportedly kills over 80 around Beni
Over the past month, over 80 civilians have been killed in Beni territory of North… Read More
Congo Siasa: Back Online
We’re back! After ten months of absence, Congo Siasa is opening its doors again today. Read More
RVI summer courses
Rift Valley Institute Field Courses 2014The Rift Valley Institute’s field courses on … Read More
Siasa hiatus
As readers will have realized, Congo Siasa is on a hiatus for the coming months. Read More
How the Congolese army perceives itself
During the recent military escalation in the Kivus, the Congolese army fared far better than… Read More