Democratic Republic of the Congo: Dismantling dissent: Repression of expression amidst electoral delays

President Joseph Kabila’s second, and according to the constitution, last term as president of the DRC ends on 19 December 2016. By September, it is increasingly clear that presidential elections will not be held within constitutional timelines. At the same time, Congolese authorities are increasingly repressing politicians and civil society actors who challenge the notion of the incumbent retaining office after this date. This report documents how the DRC government is violating rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly pushing the country into crisis.