Topic: Kinshasa

Protests erupted in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, as opposition candidates demanded a redo of the recent presidential election. Demonstrators and international observers cited widespread irregularities, including polls that failed to open and illegible voter cards.

While global attention is focused on Gaza, a massive humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has resulted in an estimated six million deaths. Critics argue the lack of international protests or media coverage for the Congo highlights a racial bias in global activism.

The death of Afro-jazz star Manu Dibango in Cameroon is noted. The Democratic Republic of Congo declares a state of emergency, closing borders and cutting off the capital, Kinshasa, as the country reportedly has only 50 respirators to serve its entire population.

Martin Fayulu, a former ExxonMobil manager and current opposition leader, is a leading candidate to succeed Joseph Kabila in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Fayulu, who was educated in the United States, has faced physical violence and arrests during his political career. Despite his background in the oil industry, he is campaigning against a government accused of failing to distribute the nation's mineral wealth to its 85 million citizens.

Elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo have been delayed in several cities, officially due to an Ebola outbreak and a warehouse fire that destroyed voting machines. Opposition leaders claim the delays are a tactic by President Joseph Kabila to maintain power. A plane crash involving election officials further complicates the legitimacy of the upcoming vote.