Congo, très beau

"100% Sure" - Kabila's posters in the capital, Kinshasa

Opposition candidate Etienne Tshisekedi was blocked from entering Kinshasa for several hours on Saturday and has been accused of inciting and encouraging his supporters to resort to violence before the elections

Kabila is 100% sure he’ll get re-elected.

And he swears that if he doesn’t, there will be war in Congo again.

Although mostly peaceful throughout the country, there have been some deaths related to the elections.

Registered voters in Beni, Oicha, Butembo (and probably many other places) are not on the lists of registered voters. It means that they will not be able to vote. People are crying foul and corruption.

Lots of campaign signs... Not unlike the States!

As a precaution, Chelsie and I were told to spend this election period outside of Congo. Given my background and former love of politics, it was hard to go during this time, even though I haven’t been involved or even very aware of politics lately. However, we followed our leaders’ guidance and are currently in Kampala. Although friends and advisors in Congo don’t foresee violence in Beni or even the region – they still found it best to leave just in case.

So Wednesday night we got to Kampala and have been here since. We’re praying for our Congolese friends and colleagues, our brothers and sisters there, while we’re away. Praying for peaceful elections. For a peaceful Congo. For safety, protection and the right leaders to be elected. Whoever they may be!