Joseph Ndjelo pulls down his collar to reveal a deep gash across his neck. It's a physical reminder of the night the militia came for him and his family. Although he escaped, his wife and four children were killed in the attack. Forty years after independence, the DRC is still plagued by ethnic feuding. But now there's fresh hope that Joseph Kabila, the country's youngest ever President, can bring peace. He has offered to share power with his political rivals. If all goes according to plan there will be free and fair elections in two years. However, many are wary of the new government. They feel they have seen it all before. "It seems to be another false start," fears politician Dr Kabamba. But others believe only Kabila can lead the DRC out of its misery.

Produced by ABC Australia.