Protests that began over the skyrocketing price of bread and shortages of food and fuel have accomplished what few people believed was possible in a country ruled by a leader with an iron fist.
Calls for a vote recount, first from defeated opposition candidate Martin Fayulu, are now being heard widely, sparking concerns that outgoing President Joseph Kabila played a behind the scenes role in swinging the election for Felix Tshisekedi, an opposition leader.
Newly elected President João Lourenço is sending shivers across the continent as he relentlessly attempts to recoup billions of dollars subverted from the national treasury, including by members of the previous regime – former president Jose Eduardo dos Santos, billionaire daughter Isabel and son Jose Filomeno dos Santos – aka Zenu.
Approximately a quarter of a million Burundians have fled the country and live in refugee camps in neighboring Tanzania, according to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.
Rwanda will spend 5.5 billion Rwandan francs ($6.5 million). With 6.8 million registered voters, that’s less than a dollar per vote