Congo Election Violence Threatens Legitimacy

Violence and other issues threaten the legitimacy of the general election in Congo, with candidates killed, voter card irregularities, and election-related violence reported. Human Rights Watch reported assaults, sexual violence, and at least one death. Violent clashes between supporters of opposing political parties also occurred, leading to the vandalization of an evangelical church's temple in Kinshasa. Furthermore, militants linked to the Islamic State-affiliated ADF were blamed for an attack in Ituri province, resulting in the decapitation of at least 11 civilians, including six women.