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🇨🇩 DR Congo /Elections & Politics

DRC census: Call for data sharing between ONIP, CENI, and INS

From Radio Okapi · () French

Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Analysts and experts are calling for better data sharing between population identification, electoral, and statistics agencies in the DRC.
  • This collaboration is seen as crucial for improving the effectiveness of the country's census process.
  • The call comes as the national identification office prepares to launch population identification and ID card issuance operations, despite budget concerns.

Analysts, experts, and stakeholders have stressed the urgent need for enhanced data sharing between the National Population Identification Office (ONIP), the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), and the National Statistics Institute (INS) in the Democratic Republic of Congo. They argue that improved coordination is essential to boost the efficiency of the DRC's census process.

The call for greater data synergy was made during a roundtable discussion in Kinshasa, organized by the Congolese Institute for Research on Policy, Governance, and Violence (Ebuteli). The citizen-led structure aimed to identify challenges within the census process and their potential impact on the electoral calendar, as explained by Soraya Odiah, a project manager at Ebuteli.

Serge Moulindoua, a legal expert at ONIP, announced the upcoming launch of population identification operations and the issuance of national identity cards across the country. However, he acknowledged the inadequacy of the allocated budget for 2026, noting that the government is relying on public-private partnerships to fund the initiative.

Ebuteli plans to release an analytical note titled "Illuminating the Future" soon. This document will provide civil society with data and potential solutions to strengthen advocacy for institutional and electoral reforms.

DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Radio Okapi in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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