Deputy U.N. chief in DRC: meets Kabila, stresses need for elections

Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations (U.N.), Amina Mohammed on Tuesday met with President Joseph Kabila of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

At the meeting which took place at the presidential palace in Kinshasa, Amina said she “conveyed U.N. support and encouragement for peaceful and inclusive elections and development process,” in the country.

She has been on duty-tour in the country since Monday holding meetings with the U.N. mission (MONUSCO) and other interest groups.

DRC is in a political crisis occasioned by the failure of Kabila to step down after the expiration of his second term in office in December 2016. Violence in other parts of the country has led to deaths and massive displacement.

The opposition has called for resistance to Kabila’s continued stay in office. He has yet to state whether he will run in the next polls.

A 2016 peace agreement by the African Union failed to hold till another one by the Catholic Church signed on December 31, 2016; gave a glimmer of hope. Failure to comply with terms of that deal plus death of leading opposition chief, Etienne Tshisekedi has deepened the political tension and uncertainty.