Beya’s arrest may presage authoritarian drift in Congo

Abstract

Significance Beya was a central figure within Tshisekedi’s administration and, with decades of experience, one of its most capable security experts. His sudden fall from grace has generated much speculation. Impacts Beya’s arrest deprives Tshisekedi of a very competent adviser in the middle of a security crisis he is struggling to manage. Beya’s arrest removes a key link between Tshisekedi’s political family and Kabila’s, including the ex-Kabilists now in the Sacred Union. Instability within the presidency may further undermine domestic governance and policy delivery.