“We oppose efforts by other governments and parliaments, including the United States Congress, to interfere in the internal affairs of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC),” said H.E. François Balumuene, the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s (DRC) Ambassador to the United States.
“The citizens of the DRC are engaged in an important political process that that is intended to culminate in presidential elections in the coming months. Despite technical and logistical constraints, our government remains committed to elections, and we welcome interest and support from the international community in this regard. Punitive actions, however, are neither welcomed nor warranted.
“We do note the acknowledgment by the U.S. legislation that democratic progress is not simply the responsibility of the government, but of all political stakeholders in the DRC. That is why we are advancing a national dialogue to help establish a peaceful environment in which free and fair elections can take place. Key international organizations, including the United Nations, the African Union, the European Union and the International Organization of La Francophonie have encouraged such a dialogue.”
President Kabila first announced in May 2015 his plan to convene a national dialogue, shortly after the nation’s Independent National Electoral Commission issued an electoral calendar and in anticipation of preparations that would best be guided by consensus among all stakeholders. Since then, he has consulted with religious leaders, members of opposition parties and his own ruling coalition, diplomats and other foreign representatives to move forward with this critical discussion.
On June 28, 2016, the UN Secretary General urged “all Congolese political stakeholders to engage in good faith in an inclusive and credible dialogue process and to reach consensus on a way forward that will lead to free and fair elections….” This was followed in recent days by an announcement by the African Union that all major stakeholders have recognized the need to commence this dialogue before the end of July, with former Togolese Prime Minister Edem Kodjo serving as facilitator.
