Democratic Republic of Congo – Situation (22 January 2018)
France strongly condemns the violence perpetrated by the security forces during the demonstrations on January 21, 2018, in the Democratic Republic of Congo and deplores the loss of life. It reiterates its call for the respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms, beginning with the right to demonstrate. It calls on all stakeholders to engage in dialogue and to reject any use of violence. It reaffirms the need for the proportionate use of force in maintaining law and order.
France is also concerned about the violence and threats against MONUSCO observers. We call on the Congolese authorities to shed full light on this violence so that the perpetrators can be brought to justice.
France renews its appeal for the effective holding of elections in accordance with the electoral calendar published on November 5, 2017, the Constitution and the spirit of consensus that prevailed when the political agreement was signed on December 31, 2016, as requested by the UN Security Council in its resolution 2348 (2017). It reaffirms the need to fully implement the agreement of December 31, 2016, notably with respect to the measures to defuse the political situation, needed in order to ensure the conditions for credible and peaceful elections. France stands ready, in close coordination with its African, European and international partners, to support the electoral process aimed at achieving a peaceful and democratic transfer of power in the Democratic Republic of Congo.