Ban Ki-moon encourages DRC President to create inclusive national dialogue

By

Darell Maurice

The Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, in his report to the Security Council on the political situation in the DRC, encouraged the President of the Republic Joseph Kabila in creating conditions for the holding of inclusive national dialogue.

Ban Ki-moon, who, after receiving the results of the consultations conducted by Saïd Djinnit, special envoy for the Great Lakes region , with political actors and civil society, congratulated the Head of State to have chosen dialogue as a way of settling differences between the various protagonists.

It appears, however, that obstacles to the holding of the inclusive national dialogue are still to be overcome because of the reluctance of some political parties to take part in this forum accusing the establishment of a political transition, said the secretary general of the United Nations.

Stating also of his deep concern of rising tension within the political class and hope that it does not lead to violations of human rights, Ban Ki-moon is considering further strengthening the Police force of MONUSCO to protect civilians and prevent possible incidents with the approach of the national elections.

Furthermore, in the same report to the Security Council the UN Secretary General has opened the possibility of a new resolution renewing the principal of the UN Stabilization Mission in DRC (MONUSCO) to secure the country during the election year.

He explained the possibility in that it was recommended to the Government of the DRC, the opposition as well as partners in the electoral process to organize a forum to define the procedures for the revision of the electoral roll and its constitution and budget for the presidential and legislative elections within the constitutional deadline.

As for the peacekeepers, although reduced by 2,000 men in 2015 and other planned withdrawals, 1700

for 2016, the UN Secretary-General reserved the right to deploy 21,000 troops on the ground in the DRC if necessary.

Darell Maurice

Darell Maurice is a Journalist based in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s capital city Kinshasa and works for Canal7kintv. He also blogs here.