The Democratic Republic of Congo’s strides toward peace could prove short-lived if the government and
donors do not increase efforts to create a transparent and accountable government. State institutions such as parliament, courts, the army and the civil service remain weak and corrupt. The national elections scheduled for 30 July 2006 risk creating a large class of disenfranchised politicians and former warlords tempted to take advantage of state weakness and launch new insurgencies. Donors must initiate new programs in support of good governance that include more funding to strengthen state institutions
(in particular parliament and the various auditing bodies), as well as apply more political pressure to make sure reforms are implemented.
