Stories about D.R. of Congo from April, 2006
DRC: UDPS Says It Is Not Dead
Etienne Tshisekedi's political career is not dead and UDPS has not imploded, says (FR) UDPS Liege. “UDPS has become a spirit and conscience spread among the people. […] UDPS will never die” writes the blog which also reminds readers that the electoral commission stayed open until midnight on the last...
DRC: Is Tshisekedi an Extremist?
Over at Le Blog du Congolais, Ben-Clet analyzes (FR) the “180 degree turn” in the international image of UDPS leader Etienne Tshisekedi from sympathetic Mobutu opponent in the 90s to modern-day extremist. Among factors, Ben-Clet cites the fall of the Berlin wall, the fact that Congolese national interests often clash...
DRC: Kabila Resigns from Army
Renouveau Congolais deplores (FR) the fact that interim president Joseph Kabila signed the decree that accepts his resignation from the DRC's army … himself: “How can the one resigning sign his won resignation? Only a PPRD member can accept such a thing.”
Francophone Journalists who Cover Africa
Generation Consciente, Une Autre Afrique publishes (FR) a list of francophone journalists who cover Africa.
DRC: Resolutions from Belgian UDPS’ Last Meeting
Under pressure from UDPS sympathizers, UDPS will organize a conference on May 1st to answer questions and make available documentation on several questioned actions of the party and its leader Etienne Tshisekedi in the 1990s, writes (FR) UDPS Liege. The blog also announced that the party's next priority is to...
DRC: UDPS to Take Part in Election After All?
UDPS spokesperson Jn-Baptiste Bomanza made several revelations on a Congolese talk show, reports (FR) Le Blog du Congolais. Bomanza's most surprising comment waa that “[t]here will be no election without UDPS” but he also accused the president of the Electoral Commission Rev. Malu-Malu of belonging to the same party as...
African music (#6)
Coupé-Décalé? I went blank when my lady friend Tchi asked if I knew about Coupé-Décalé. A wiki entry for Coupé-Décalé provides a brief definition: “The Coupe-Decale created by Doucoure during the militaro-political crisis in Cote d'Ivoire,reflects the aspirations of the Ivorian youth. Coupe-Decale is a very melodious and percussive African...
DRC: Western Media, Foreign Meddlers and Elections
Heavy-Handed Transition Partners Several bloggers resent the involvement of foreign transition partners and other neighboring countries whom they find heavy-handed in the electoral process. Le Blog du Congolais posted a UDPS declaration to that effect: Le processus électoral, financé et piloté par la communauté internationale a cessé d’être une affaire...
DRC: Multiple Parties Named UDPS
Le Blog du Congolais analyzes (FR) Minister of Interior Theophile Mbemba's decision on April 1 to yield to one of UDPS’ long running demands by declaring that only one UDPS, Etienne Tshisekedi's, could run for office under that name during upcoming elections. But Blogger Tony Katombe sees no more than...
DRC: Etienne Kabila on Brother Joseph Kabila
Le Renouveau Congolais posts (FR) an interview with Etienne Kabila, son of assasinated former president Laurent Kabila and brother of current president Joseph Kabila a.k.a. Hyppolite Kanambe. Mr. Kabila who is himself the head of a political party (MNPR) accuses the president of having brought a coup against their father...
DRC: Failed Inclusion of UDPS
Le Blog du Congolais ponders (FR) the reasons why main opposition party UDPS will not participate in upcoming elections: “The electoral packet, designed in upscale Western quarters, was a take it or leave it deal. […] One has to wonder whether it was not deliberately intended for UDPS not to...
African Diaspora: Forum on Euro-African Relations
Djibrilkeita announces (FR) an upcoming forum on European cooperation with Africa to take place in Paris April 9. Panelists will mostly discuss Rwanda and Ivory Coast.
DRC: UDPS Worried About Fairness of Elections
Le Blog du Congolais posts (FR) a lengthy declaration by the President of UDPS’ National Committee questioning the motives of the international community in its various involvements with DRC's elections, the constitutionality of elections postponed beyond June 30, 2006 and the violent image of UDPS that is portrayed in western...
DRC: UDPS Chapter's General Assembly in Belgium
UDPS Liege posts (FR) an invitation to UDPS /Wallonie's General Assembly which will take place April 9 in Liege, Belgium. UDPS is an opposition party in the DRC.
DRC: Public Transportation and Free Speech Tribulations
Daily links don't do all discussions justice. Here are translations of eloquent quotes posted in the last two weeks on two such issues by D.R of Congo blogger Tony Katombe. Public Transportation in Kinshasa: a Workout Before Work Tony Katombe treated us (FR) to a funny illustrated account of his...
DRC: Vulnerable forests
Kim Gjerstad in Congo posts on the vulnerability of the DRC's forests…”One unnoticed natural resource is the forest. An area the size of France is harvestable, and within it, some of the most luxurious woods in the trade are found. It is both a great economical opportunity but also a...
Voices from Zimbabwe and the Great Lakes
Zimbabwe: After long silence Manulite is back blogging again! In his very first post, Manu recounts having a bad day, There are times when you think you are having a very, very bad day. Then there are times when bad days are in season. Of course bad days can be...
