DRC opposition requests AU impartiality over political impasse

A group of 7 opposition leaders have called on the African Union not to take sides in the ongoing political crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The leaders have urged the African Union to ensure that the presidential election holds in November as scheduled in accordance with a UN Security Council resolution.

In January 2015, some opposition leaders in DRC organised peaceful protest against a new electoral code which was introduced in parliament.

The AU envoy to the DRC, Edem Kodjo, is currently on a mediation mission in the country during which he is expected to bring a lasting solution to the political misunderstanding among political opponents.

Some opposition parties are skeptical about the AU mediation mission amidst suspicion that President Joseph Kabila is planning to remain in power after his mandate expires in December 2016.

Chairman of the African Union, Dr Dlamini Zuma in January called for a restraint and peaceful mediation of the political impasse in the country.

The African Union Calls For Restraint And Dialogue In The Democratic Republic Of Congo #DRC pic.twitter.com/4JxfhAZGkv

— JFJustice (@JFJustice) January 29, 2015

Several people lost their lives in the capital, Kinshasa and Goma, in Eastern Congo after the protests turned violent.