DRC Violence: AU, international community condemn chaos

The chairperson of the African Union Commission Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma has on behalf of the continental organisation expressed concerns over the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

She said that the union is disturbed by the violence that broke out after Monday’s anti-Kabila protests organised by the opposition.

A statement from her office read in part: “The President of Commission appeals to all the Congolese political class to show restraint and a sense of responsibility, and give chance towards conclusion of the inclusive National Dialogue whose work has entered it’s final phase.”

Gravely concerned about the situation in #DRC. As inclusive Nat'l Dialogue nears conclusion, we reiterate #AU call for restraint &consensus. https://t.co/JBFUOaSBjL

— Amb. Smail Chergui (@AU_Chergui) September 20, 2016

The situation has also drawn the attention of the international community.

UK’s Minister for Africa and the Middle East Tobias Ellwood said: “I am deeply concerned about the violence around protests in Kinshasa and other cities including reports that a number of civilians and policemen have been killed. I urge both the DRC Government and opposition parties to take measures to calm the situation. The Congolese people’s democratic right to peaceful protest must be protected.”

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon also called for restraint from further violence.

Ban Ki-moon condemns violence in #DRC; urges political leaders/supporters to refrain from further violence https://t.co/wUGj0SP304

— UN Spokesperson (@UN_Spokesperson) September 19, 2016

DRC’s main opposition parties are calling for an election on the original date in November and also for Kabila to step down at the end of his term on December 20.