UN warns of possible political violence in DRC over elections

The United Nations has warned that political uncertainty over the upcoming presidential elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo could spiral into severe crisis.

UN chief Ban Ki- moon said that he is concerned by the lack of meaningful political dialogue among Congo’s political class and tensions in the country could degenerate into a severe crisis “ with a high risk of relapse into violence and instability.”

UN peacekeepers are now developing contingency plans for widespread violence in the country.

“The U.N. peacekeeping mission MONUSCO is developing contingency plans in the event of widespread violence in the context of the electoral process,” said Ban.

Last month the UN Security Council renewed sanctions it had imposed on DRC until July 2017 citing the security crisis in the eastern part of the country.

Separately, the International community and the African Union has called on the country to begin the talks before the end of this month.

Representatives from, the EU, UN, AU and other regional bodies said that the current situation in the country remains precarious and there is need to support the facilitator of the talks, Edem Kodjo, to kick start the national dialogue.

Congo’s government had said that it was unlikely to hold elections slated in November due to logistical problems but opposition members have accused President Joseph Kabila of trying to cling to power beyond his mandate.