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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.

Past Projects

Elections and Political Process Strengthening (1998 - 2002)

Between 1998 and 2002, IFES focused its activities in the DRC on enhancing the capacity of civil society to participate in the country's peace process and political transition.

Strengthening National and Local Judicial Systems and Promoting Reconciliation Processes (1999 - 2004)

IFES designed a project aimed at strengthening Congolese legal culture and encouraging legal reform in the DRC.

Support for DRC Political Process Development During the Transition Period (2004-2007)

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.

The NEAT Project: Nexus for Executing Anti-Corruption Tasks

IFES' NEAT Project (2007-2008) sought to develop a nexus for tackling corruption by working with civil society organizations and elected officials at the national and provincial levels. The project has helped both civil society and newly-elected officials develop a better understanding of how to construct legal and regulatory frameworks for curtailing corrupt practices and how to build linkages between citizens and the government in the fight against corruption.