DR Congo Update

The war-ravaged DR Congo held its first free election after Kevin Sites reported from the country in 2005, but violence and war crimes continue to haunt its people.

For almost a decade, the

When Kevin Sites reported from there in October 2005, the country was preparing for its first multi-party elections since it gained independence in 1960 — an attempt to bring credibility and unity to the country and its government.

The election was held July 30 with a large turnout and isolated incidents of violence. The United Nation's mission in Congo (MONUC) said the success of the election "should lead to the restoration of an atmosphere of confidence and peace, and a successful outcome to the electoral process."

However, three days of violence followed the announcement of election results in August, with the supporters of the leading presidential contenders clashing in the streets of Kinshasa and killing at least 30 people, according to the International Crisis Group.

MONUC's initial election report said President Joseph Kabila garnered 48 percent of the vote over rival Jean-Pierre Bemba's 20 percent — not enough for an outright win. A second round of elections that will determine the winner are scheduled for October 29.

Kabila and Bemba vowed to work peacefully during the next set of elections. MONUC reports they met for the first time since the outbreak of violence in August, talking at a "relaxed and conciliatory" meeting this week.

The country continues to work on its electoral woes, but the problems Kevin Sites witnessed in 2005 continue to fester. The gun trade in Kinshasa is booming and new reports have emerged of mass sex crimes against civilians by Congo's armed militias, soldiers and police officers.

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