Eye on Africa

*** Photo Mvemba Phezo Dizolele — Catholic Mission in Kisantu, Bas-Congo

By Karana Olivier

I had the good or misfortune to be in Bas Congo the day that Bunda dia Kongo declared their intention to hold a massive demonstration for the release of their leader and for a redo of the last series of provincial elections.

It might seem curious why Congolese would take the actions of this somewhat obscure group so seriously, but all across Congo, people were agreeing in silence with what this group was saying publicly. If the movement were successful, it was sure to have ripple effects across the country. The newly elected national senate and provincial governors would be the first to be on the chopping blocks since they were so blatantly involved in the bribing of provincial legislators for their vote.