The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is facing a shrinking civic space, with human rights defenders (HRDs) increasingly targeted by threats, harassment, and attacks. This is due in part to the ongoing violent conflict in the region, as well as the government's crackdown on dissent. Franck Kamunga joins today's episode to the reflect on the context and its impact on the scheduled elections. The episode also explores recommendations on what different stakeholders must do ahead of the elections.