DRC opposition groups agree to a national dialogue

African Union has announced that opposition groups in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have recognized the “need” to launch a national dialogue before the end of July.

The parties have also maintained to focused on the conditions to launch the national dialogue.

The AU meeting which took place within the framework of partnership for peace and security in Africa, is in line with collective commitment to support the DRC in consolidating the achievements made during the last decades.

AU called on all the stakeholders in the dialogue to create a conducive environment for the holding of the national dialogue.

The African body has also received the support of the oppositions as a facilitator of the dialogue.

Leader of the Union of Democracy and Social Progress, Etienne Tsisekedi and other representatives of the opposition groups met with some support groups composed of the United Nations, the African Union and the European Union in Brussels at the weekend.

However, Tsisekedi and his comrades have insisted on the implementation of measures of equity, security and peace, and the release of political prisoners.

In view of the political situation in the DRC, the international group held its first meeting on July 4 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Inaugural Meeting of the Support Group for the Facilitation of the National Dialogue in the #DRC https://t.co/z2UsxfxfcV

— African Union Peace (@AU_PSD) July 4, 2016

The AU also said it welcomes the ongoing efforts by the Congolese authorities and especially by the National Independence Electoral Commission (CENI), with the support of various partners to undertake the required revision of the voters register.

The US has also welcomed the recent inaugural meeting of the support group for the facilitation of the national dialogue in the DRC.

Press Agency