Addressing UN, Republic of Congo says newly-adopted Constitution will improve governance

The Foreign Minister of the Republic of Congo, Jean-Claude Gakosso, today welcomed the new Constitution adopted by his country which he told the United Nations General Assembly will improve political, economic and social governance in the country.

A 25 October 2015 referendum “led to the adoption of a new Constitution more adapted to the requirements of the rule of law in its most commonly accepted sense,” said Mr. Gakosso in remarks to the General Assembly’s high-level debate.

The Constitution reinforces the principle of separation of powers, enshrines the independence of the judiciary, abolishes the death penalty, enhances gender parity, recognizes the fundamental rights of indigenous peoples and lays the groundwork for a participative democracy, among other measures.

He recalled that the adopted Constitution establishes next to the National Human Rights Commission and other bodies such as the Women's Advisory Council, the Advisory Council on Youth, the National Council of the Wise and the Advisory Council of people with disabilities.

"So many innovations, created by the people themselves […] will undoubtedly improve the political, economic and social governance in our country," said the Foreign Minister.

Regarding the neighbouring countries, Mr. Gakosso deplored “the tragic events” that took place in Kinshasa, the capital of Democratic Republic of Congo just two weeks ago, and called on all parties in the country to search for peaceful solutions, including through an inclusive dialogue.

As for Gabon, the Congolese Minister stressed that the post-election crisis was a concern. "It is our ardent desire to see the brotherly people of this country draw from the depths of Bantu wisdom that we share” and leave these difficulties behind.

As for the Central African Republic, Mr. Gakosso noted that the country "has been able to successfully lead a political transition whose epilogue was the presidential election, paving the way for the collective hope of a better life.”

“The Republic of the Congo welcomes this accomplishment which is the expression of the will of the people to bury old demons, [and] return to peace and stability after years of chaos," he added. "The Republic of Congo supports the efforts of peace, reconciliation and reconstruction which President Faustin Archange Touadéra and his Government are working with courage and self-sacrifice,” he added.