The Secretary-General is profoundly concerned by reports of increasing political tensions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo linked to the continuing uncertainty surrounding the country's electoral process. The Secretary-General calls for the strict respect of the fundamental freedoms and rights enshrined in the Constitution. He urges all parties to exercise restraint and express their views peacefully, including in the context of demonstrations scheduled to take place on 26 May.

He calls on all Congolese political stakeholders to place the interests of their country above their own by engaging constructively in a meaningful political dialogue aimed at peacefully resolving their differences.  He urges them to extend their full cooperation to the African Union Facilitator for the National Dialogue in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mr. Edem Kodjo, and reiterates the full support for the United Nations for his efforts.

New York, 25 May 2016