Beya’s arrest may presage authoritarian drift in Congo

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.