The violent acts committed by the security forces during the demonstrations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have resulted in further losses of human life and a very large number of injured persons.

These wrongdoings run counter to the government’s pledge to create conditions which are favourable for holding elections, and call for effective judicial investigations so that their perpetrators can be brought to justice.

It is for all Congolese actors to do their utmost to hold elections in 2018 in a spirit of dialogue. The framework is defined by the Constitution and the New Year’s Eve (Saint-Sylvestre) Political Agreement, and recalled by the United Nations Security Council in resolution 2348 (2017). It is for the Congolese authorities to guarantee the respect for and full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the right to peaceful demonstration. This is a key element which, together with the measures to ease tension set out in the Agreement, is vital for the organisation of credible elections.

The European Union will continue to support the United Nations mission in DRC ( MONUSCO) and to work closely with the African Union and other African partners. It will use all the instruments at its disposal to contribute to a peaceful political alternative in DRC.