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Joint communiqué on the situation in the Kasaï provinces, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

28.03.2017
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Joint communiqué of the African Union, the United Nations, the European Union and the International Organization of La Francophonie on the situation in the Kasaï provinces, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

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The African Union (AU), the United Nations (UN), the European Union (EU) and the International Organisation of La Francophonie continue to follow developments in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) closely. They express deep concern over the grave situation in the Kasaï provinces, as illustrated by reports that, between 23 and 24 March, about 40 members of the Congolese National Police were killed, during an ambush by the Kamuina Nsapu militia on the road between Tshikapa and Kananga.

The four partner organizations condemn this despicable act and express their condolences to the families of the victims. They further condemn all other acts of violence and violations of human rights that have recently taken place in the Kasaïs. 

The levels of violence as well as reports of human rights violations witnessed in some parts of the DRC require an urgent response from the country's political leaders. In this context, they urge the defence and security forces to exercise restraint in the efforts to restore order in the Kasaïs, and encourage the continuation of the recently-initiated dialogue between the Government and the Kamuina Nsapu militia, in order to find a peaceful solution to the situation in the Kasaïs. They reiterate the need for a credible investigation to shed light on human rights violations and ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable. In this regard, they welcome the steps announced by the Government and look forward to their follow-up.

The four organizations underscore the urgency to fully implement the 31 December 2016 political agreement facilitated by the National Episcopal Conference of the Congo (CENCO), including the appointment, in line with the relevant provisions of that Agreement, of a Prime Minister from the Opposition. Such progress will help facilitate the country's stabilization, the restoration of law and order in areas affected by violence and the holding, within the envisaged timeframe, of the elections that should conclude the transitional period agreed to by the Congolese stakeholders. 

Category
Joint Statements
Location

Brussels

Editorial sections
EEAS
Africa
DR Congo (Kinshasa)