ELECTION-RELATED violence across the Democratic Republic of Congo risks undermining general elections due on Wednesday, Human Rights Watch warned at the weekend. 

Congolese authorities should urgently and impartially investigate violent incidents linked to the elections and prosecute those responsible, regardless of their political affiliation, the New York-based group said.

Human Rights Watch has been documenting clashes across the country between supporters of rival political parties that have resulted in assaults, sexual violence and at least one death. 

Supporters of President Felix Tshisekedi’s Union for Democracy and Social Progress Party (UDPS) have been implicated in threats and attacks against opposition party leaders and journalists. 

Opposition supporters have also been implicated in violence. 

Human Rights Watch senior Congo researcher Thomas Fessy said: “Congolese authorities need to act urgently to prevent violence before, during and after the vote to stop a dangerous situation from getting even worse. 

“Political parties and candidates should publicise their anti-violence stance and help ensure that people have the opportunity to vote for the candidates of their choice.”

Voters in the elections will chose the president, members of national and provincial parliaments and the holders of local offices. 

Nearly 40 million people will be able to participate, but more than 1.5 million will not be able to vote in areas of active conflict, such as the provinces of North Kivu in the east and Mai-Ndombe in the west. 

Human Rights Watch said that in one major incident on November 7, UDPS supporters clashed with supporters of Moise Katumbi’s opposition party, Together for the Republic (known as Ensemble), at a rally in Kasumbalesa in Haut-Katanga province. 

Ensemble supporters ransacked a local UDPS chapel’s office and UDPS supporters attacked and injured six people, raped at least two women and sexually assaulted three others, according to witnesses as well as security, medical and United Nations sources.

Mr Fessy said: “Congolese authorities should put in place comprehensive plans to protect voters, candidates, election officials, observers and journalists.”