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IFES - The Democratic Republic of Congo

The Democratic Republic of Congo

Since gaining independence from Belgium in 1960, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has experienced alternating periods of dictatorship and war. The causes of the 1998-2003 conflict between government forces (supported by Angola, Namibia and Zimbabwe) and rebels (backed by Uganda and Rwanda) are multifaceted and include the country’s complicated political history and substantial natural resources. The fighting left more than 3 million people dead and more than 2 million displaced from their homes. After the signing of a peace deal, a transitional government was formed in 2003 and the UN established a peacekeeping presence in the country. 

IFES began working in the DRC in 1998 and has remained engaged, even after the outbreak of the war. IFES helped local actors prepare for the country’s first multiparty elections in more than 40 years, held successfully in July 2006. These elections were a key step toward stability.

To view the most recent DRC newsletter, download PDF here.

Current Projects

Support for DRC Political Process Development During the Transition Period

IFES technical assistance in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) concentrates on bringing reliable and verifiable systems, procedures and methods to the electoral process and communicates with civil society regarding democratic practices. The goal is that the results of the elections will accurately reflect the expression of the voters.

Past Projects in The Democratic Republic of Congo »