International bodies to send support missions to DRC

The African Union (AU), the United Nations (UN), the European Union (EU) and the International Organisation of La Francophonie (IOF) are following closely the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), particularly in view of the upcoming set of elections in the country.

The four partner organisations have underlined the crucial importance of the elections, whose peaceful, transparent, smooth and timely conduct would greatly contribute to consolidating the progress made in the DRC for more than a decade.

The UN is to give support to the facilitation mission of the AU in the DRC. Special Representative of the Secretary General of the UN in Congo-Kinshasa, Mom Sidikou, while announcing this, called on the political actors to engage in dialogue for an electoral process.

According to Sidikou, resolution 2277 of the Security Council of the UN supports the dialogue as initiated by the African Union.

He reiterated that the UN is expected to give their full support to the initiative led by the African Union. “In this regard, I, personally, I will spare no effort to accompany the efforts of Mr. Kodjo in the framework of my good offices, and in close collaboration with other partners and actors of the region also, in accordance with the provisions of the Resolution 2277”.

The Special Representative of the Secretary General of the UN said all political actors would be brought together to participate in the elections .

“I do not want to preach because that is the role of a pastor, but I will remind you all that Resolution 2277 which we have all talked about invites all the actors in the dialogue,” said Sidikou. Speaking on the allegations in relation with the sexual abuse charges against the UN forces, he said they are truly shocking adding that they are really a shame to the UN.

He said it is important that rapid sanctions be taken, after investigation.

The four partner organisations commit to closely coordinating their efforts in the DRC in accordance with their principles and values, with particular regard to the promotion of democracy and the rule of law.