The Democratic Republic of Congo’s strides toward
peace could prove short-lived if the government and
donors do not increase efforts to create a transparent
and accountable government. State institutions such as
parliament, courts, the army and the civil service remain
weak and corrupt. The national elections scheduled for 30
July 2006 risk creating a large class of disenfranchised
politicians and former warlords tempted to take advantage
of state weakness and launch new insurgencies. Donors
must initiate new programs in support of good governance
that include more funding to strengthen state institutions
(in particular parliament and the various auditing bodies),
as well as apply more political pressure to make sure
reforms are implemented.
