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World, regional bodies urge all parties to refrain from violence in DRC

Xinhua, September 25, 2016 Adjust font size:

The United Nations and three regional organizations on Saturday called upon all the parties concerned in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to "exercise maximum restraint in their actions" and "refrain from violence" in the African country.

The African Union (AU), the United Nations (UN), the European Union (EU), the International Organization of La Francophonie (IOF) issued a joint statement on the DRC situation to voice their grave concerns on the recent violent events in the capital Kinshasa and elsewhere in the country, where protesters and security forces clashed, resulting in loss of life.

"The four partner organizations call on all political actors in the DRC, including the presidential majority and the political opposition, to exercise maximum restraint in their actions and statements and to urge their supporters to refrain from violence," the statement said.

"They also urge the authorities of the DRC to promote and protect human rights, and to uphold fundamental freedoms enshrined in the Constitution, including when managing public order situations," said the statement.

"All stakeholders, including officials of judicial and security institutions, have an individual responsibility to act in full compliance with the rule of law and human rights, and will have to face the consequences should they fail to do so," it said.

Meanwhile, the four partner organizations urge the DRC government to "remain engaged in the dialogue process," including through continued confidence-building measures, and encourage the political groups who are not part of the current talks to play a constructive role with a view to contributing to the holding of credible elections at the earliest possible date, the statement said.

At least 17 people, including three policemen, were killed on Sept. 19 in heavy clashes between protesters and police in Kinshasa, reports said.

According to the nation's Constitution, the country is scheduled to hold its presidential election on Sept. 20. However, the electoral commission said the election has to be postponed until a voter registrar is completed, which the opposition rejects. Enditem