While these problems clearly have a trickle-down effect on Congolese society, there are more urgent matters that need to be addressed in consolidating and contributing to lasting democratic reform. Thus, a handful of the roadblocks to a true and efficient democracy are outlined and that which is mentioned above only refers to problems within the government itself, rather than the country as a whole. Presidential and legislative candidates should have – but have not – presented detailed plans for addressing corruption in customs, public finance and natural resources." 2 Not a single official has been tried during the transition for corruption. The judiciary is deeply politicised and inadequately funded. Parliamentary inquiries lack necessary resources and expertise to be effective. "While international attention has concentrated on elections, the other elements of a stable democracy are weak or missing, including the necessary checks on executive political parties. In a report dated July 20, 2006, the International Crisis Group states, Prior to these events, in the early 1990’s, Mobutu suspended a National Conference that had been convened to discuss the future of his nation. In December 2005, the transitional government held a successful constitutional referendum, as well as elections for the presidency, National Assembly, and provincial legislatures in 2006, the same year as President Kabila’s inauguration and the installation of the National Assembly. President Joseph Kabila and four vice presidents represented the former government, former rebel groups, and the political opposition. A transitional government was set up in July 2003. In October 2002, the new president was successful in negotiating the withdrawal of Rwandan forces occupying eastern Congo two months later, the Pretoria Accord was signed by all remaining warring parties to end the fighting and establish a government of national unity. In January 2001, leader Laurent Kabila was assassinated and his son, Joseph Kabila, was subsequently named head of state. ![]() The Ituri conflict 1 endured throughout and beyond both Congo Wars. The First Congo War was fought from 1996-1997, followed by a Second Congo War that lasted from 1998-2003. The infamouse Joseph-Desire Mobutu came to power, a position he maintained until 1997. Then, in 1965, President Kasavubu was overthrown in a U.S.-backed coup. The following year, Prime Minister Lumumba was assassinated. Tensions were escalating between Prime Minister Lumumba and President Kasavubu the latter dismissed the former from office in 1960. The country presently known as the DRC initially achieved independence from its Belgian colonizer in 1960. ![]() While the name of the country surely lends itself to an assumption of regime type, in actuality, this area has experienced great civil unrest over the last five decades, resulting in an extremely tenuous so-called “democracy.” The issues that need to be resolved within the country are numerous, and span the spectrum, from ethnic strife to a weak, declining economy. The problems associated with democratic reform in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are manifold.
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