Inside Story

Is the DR Congo on the brink of collapse?

UN calls for calm after dozens killed in protests demanding the president steps down when his mandate ends in December.

The United Nations is directing blame towards government leaders in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for political tensions, which led to riots and deaths in the capital Kinshasa.

Opponents of President Joseph Kabila believe he is laying the groundwork to delay elections due later this year to try and remain in power beyond his two-term mandate.

Kabila is yet to announce his intentions either way and has condemned opposition leaders for “inciting violence”.

On a continent where leaders are known for changing laws and constitutions to stay in power, does the world have the will to pull the DRC back from the brink?

Presenter: Hazem Sika

Guests:

Scott Campbell – Africa section chief, UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Jason Stearns – Director, Congo Research Group, New York University