A $400 million international effort is underway to return the Democratic Republic of the Congo to its first democratically elected government in 45 years. However, frequent postponements, the decision by the main opposition leader to boycott the elections, continued fighting in the Kivu and Ituri provinces, and more recent displacements and fighting in Katanga province raise questions about the viability of the elections and the future legitimacy of the government. If unsuccessful candidates decide to return to the battlefield, or if outside exploitation of the DRC's minerals continue, instability and war will persist regardless of what government is in power.

William Lacy Swing, the UN Secretary General's Special Representative for the DRC, will discuss international preparations for the elections and their aftermath; the capacity of the new Congolese government to effectively manage the country; how the United Nations mission should evolve to support the new, democratically elected government; and the efforts underway to ensure that the DRC's neighbors do not disrupt its transition.

Speakers

• William Lacy Swing
  United Nations Special Representative for the DRC
• Mvemba Phezo Dizolele, Discussant
  World Security Network
• Chester Crocker, Moderator
  Georgetown University

Archived Audio

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