The UN Secretary-General takes note of the conclusion of the national dialogue in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

 The Secretary-General takes note of the conclusion of the national dialogue in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). He commends Edem Kodjo, the African Union Facilitator for the dialogue, as well as participants to the talks for their work and commitment towards a peaceful solution to the crisis in the context of the electoral process.

The Secretary-General hopes that the implementation of the agreement will contribute to a more conducive climate for the respect of fundamental rights and freedoms essential to political debate and credible elections. He urges the Government to remain actively engaged with all political stakeholders, including through continued confidence-building measures. These include in particular the further release of political prisoners and respect for the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. He also calls on political groups who were not part of the national dialogue to seek to resolve their differences peacefully.

The Secretary-General reiterates the crucial importance of peaceful and credible elections for the stabilization and consolidation of constitutional democracy in the DRC, in keeping with the Constitution and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance.

New York, 19 October 2016