DRC political deal: AU, EU, UN, IOF concerned over lack of implementation

Democratic Republic Of Congo

Four international organizations have expressed deep concerns over delays in implementing the political deal reached in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

In a joint statement issued today, the ‘partner organizations said they ‘‘are increasingly concerned by the continuing impasse in the dialogue among the political stakeholders in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) related to the implementation modalities of the 31 December political agreement.’‘

The four organizations in question are: the African Union (AU), the United Nations (UN), the European Union (EU) and the International Organization of La Francophonie (IOF).

It has been six weeks since the deal brokered by the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) was agreed but little work has been done by way of its implementation.

The deal whiles barring incumbent Joseph Kabila from seeking a third-term also asked for a transition period leading to the holding of peaceful and credible elections by close of 2017.

But with the parties yet to conclude discussions on the effective implementation of the agreement, the four bodies say the ‘‘situation has the potential to undermine the political goodwill that led to the signing of the 31 December agreement.’‘

They called on all stakeholders in the DRC, including the presidential majority and the opposition, to redouble, in good faith, their efforts towards a speedy conclusion of the ongoing talks. The recent death of leader of the main opposition, Etienne Tshisekedi, is seen as a setback to the talks.

The veteran leader died in the Belgian capital Brussels, his remains are expected to be returned to the DRC for burial modalities.

‘‘The four partner organizations reaffirm the need for all parties to rally behind the mediation efforts led by the CENCO and recall that the full and timely implementation of the 31 December agreement is critical in upholding the legitimacy of the transitional institutions until elections,’‘ the statement concluded.