The Congolese senator Salomon Kalonda Idi Della delivered a bold address on Friday during the Ethiopian parliamentary forum on intelligence and security, focusing on electoral integrity and democracy across Africa. With the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as his primary case study, the Haut-Katanga lawmaker condemned what he described as an ongoing constitutional amendment process aimed at enabling the current President to seek a third term—a move he argues violates the Constitution.
Kalonda highlighted the violent suppression of civilian protests against this reform, stating, « The opposition and civil society have risen up. Citizens took to the streets… Protesters were killed. More blood has been spilled on Congolese soil. » He condemned the perceived inaction of international partners, labeling their response as « complicity » rather than neutrality.
a stark contrast: military coups vs. constitutional coups
Drawing a sharp distinction between two forms of illegitimate power grabs, the senator criticized the international community’s inconsistent stance. While military coups are universally condemned and sanctioned, he argued that constitutional coups—often masked in legal veneers such as referendums and politically influenced judiciaries—receive far less scrutiny. « There are no good coups and bad coups, » he asserted, urging an end to this double standard in global responses.
structural flaws in african elections
Kalonda also underscored systemic issues plaguing electoral processes across the continent, including the lack of independence in electoral commissions, the selective disqualification of popular candidates through manipulated courts, and internet shutdowns during result announcements, which he called an « admission of distrust » in the authorities’ own outcomes.
a four-point plan for electoral integrity
The senator proposed a series of measures to bolster electoral integrity in Africa:
- Permanent African Electoral Watch Unit: A dedicated continental body to monitor elections and prevent irregularities.
- African Digital Electoral Sovereignty: Investment in secure, homegrown digital infrastructure to safeguard voting processes.
- Transparent and Inclusive Audits: Independent verification mechanisms to restore public trust in electoral results.
- Pre-Election Parliamentary Protocol: A framework for legislative observation covering every stage, from voter registration to final result proclamation.
He concluded by addressing the DRC’s mining sector, arguing that the absence of genuine democracy places Western economic partners at a disadvantage against rivals who operate without such constraints.
Senator Salomon Kalonda Idi Della addressing African leaders in Addis Ababa.
key takeaways
- Kalonda’s speech condemned constitutional manipulation as a « coup » disguised in legal attire.
- He criticized international silence on constitutional overreach while condemning military coups.
- Proposed African-led solutions to restore trust in electoral processes.
- Highlighted economic consequences of democratic backsliding in resource-rich nations.
