UN and partners to closely coordinate efforts ahead of DR Congo elections

The United Nations and its international partner organizations said they are closely following the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), particularly in view of the upcoming elections in the country.

In a joint press statement, the UN, the African Union (AU), the European Union (EU) and the International Organisation of La Francophonie (IOF) underscored the necessity of an inclusive political dialogue in the DRC, as well as their commitment to support the Congolese actors towards the consolidation of democracy in the country.

According to the statement, the four partner organizations “underline the crucial importance of these elections, whose peaceful, transparent, smooth and timely conduct would greatly contribute to consolidating the progress made in the DRC for more than a decade.”

Underscoring the importance of dialogue and the search for an agreement between political actors that is respectful of democracy and the rule of law, the organizations urge all Congolese political actors to “spare no effort,” within the framework of the country’s Constitution, to “ensure the successful holding of elections, preserve peace and deepen democracy, including through a political process.”

Recalling the appointment by the AU of Mr. Edem Kodjo as Special Envoy to undertake consultations on the envisaged dialogue in the DRC, the partner organizations also urge all Congolese political actors to extend him their full cooperation. They also recalled that the decision by the AU and the efforts of the Special Envoy on the ground fall within the framework of the relevant instruments of the AU, including the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance.

In addition, the partner organizations said they are committed to closely coordinating their efforts in the DRC, in accordance with their principles and values, with particular regard to the promotion of democracy and the rule of law.