DRC: Edem Kodjo rejected as AU mediator

Former Secretary General of African Union (AU), Edem Kodjo is in charge of leading the mediation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) with the aim of a dialogue between the government and opposition groups.

Leaders of the Union for the Congolese Nation (UCN) have rejected the mediation of the African Union (AU).

DRC Spokesperson, Lambart Mende told Africanews in a telephone conversation that the mediator, Edem Kodjo has no plan to respect article 220 which limits a President’s term to two.

He said he is in support of the appointment of Kodjo, adding that it is an opportunity for the Congolese people to finally go to the polls for a democratic and calm election.

One of the opposition group’s representative, Vital Kamere, is of the opinion that president Joseph Kabila may remain in power.

He said the country’s constitution provides a limit of two terms for a President adding that the current president should not contest in the coming election.

The opposition is against the president’s intention to modify the constitution to his advantage.

The country has experienced successions of rebellion and tension in recent times. However, international communities are worried about fallout from the mediation.