European nations will discuss the possibility of imposing sanctions on the Democratic Republic of the Congo, French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said on Monday.
Asked by Reuters if France wanted sanctions like those Washington has imposed for what it described as the violent suppression of opposition to President Joseph Kabila’s government, Ayrault told reporters: “it’s a question we will discuss (among) Europeans, but the situation is extremely worrying and very dangerous.”
The Foreign Minister further said that he cannot rule out the possibility of European Union sanctioning DRC following violent repression that has lead to violation of fundamental Human rights.
The vast, mineral-rich central African country has never experienced a peaceful transition of power. Donors fear growing political instability could morph into armed conflict in a country plagued by militias, especially in its lawless eastern regions.
The opposition accuse president Kabila of plotting to extend his term by delaying elections that were meant to happen in November until at least next year.
Millions died in regional wars in Congo between 1996-2003 that drew in armies from half a dozen countries.
