People in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Editorial credit: Alexandra Tyukavina / Shutterstock.com

Democratic Republic of the Congo

The political system in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been paralyzed in recent years by the manipulation of the electoral process by political elites. Citizens are unable to freely exercise basic civil liberties, and corruption is endemic. Physical security is tenuous due to violence and human rights abuses committed by government forces, as well as armed rebel groups and militias that are active in many areas of the country.

Freedom in the World 2023

Freedom in the World — Democratic Republic of the Congo Country Report

Democratic Republic of the Congo is rated Not Free in Freedom in the World 2023, Freedom House's annual study of political rights and civil liberties worldwide.