Ban urges peaceful resolution of impasse in DR Congo

Welcoming the announcement of the continuation of the mediation led by the Conférence épiscopale des églises du Congo to achieve a more inclusive consensus on the upcoming elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called on all political actors in the country to recommit themselves to this dialogue.

Welcoming the announcement of the continuation of the mediation led by the Conférence épiscopale des églises du Congo (Catholic Church - CENCO) to achieve a more inclusive consensus on the upcoming elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called on all political actors in the country to recommit themselves to this dialogue.

According to a statement issued by his office, Mr. Ban “underlined the need to pursue, in earnest, this Congolese-owned process to reach a consensual and peaceful solution to the current impasse.”

Further in the statement, Mr. Ban took note of President Joseph Kabila's expressed support and encouragement to the CENCO mediation as well as the stated readiness of The Rassemblement opposition platform to remain engaged in dialogue.

The UN chief also expressed his own his support for the CENCO-led mediation.

President Kabila's second and final term in office ends in less than two weeks.

Earlier this week, the UN Security Council had also welcomed the ongoing mediation efforts by the CENCO and had called on all stakeholders to ensure that the polls are conducted in a free, fair, credible, inclusive and transparent environment.