Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) President Joseph Kabila has committed to unlocking the impasse over the staging of the national elections in his country. This emerged following a meeting between Kabila and President Jacob Zuma in Pretoria on Sunday. The postponement of the DRC presidential election scheduled for December 2016, led to protests in September last year, which left some 50 people dead. The opposition has accused the government of delaying elections to keep President Joseph Kabila in power. The government says vote preparations, including a census need about 18 months. After holding private talks with Kabila, President Zuma called for the resumption of negotiations to resuscitate stalled talks over elections timelines.
“The people of the DRC need to determine and decide their political future through negotiations and dialogue. We wish to reiterate that dialogue not conflicts is the best way to resolve problems. We wish to convey our solidarity and support.”
In response, Kabila has assured President Zuma that he is still supporting mediation efforts led by the country’s influential Catholic Church aimed at paving the way for all-inclusive pre-election negotiations.
Full Article: SABC News – Kabila committed to unlocking impasse over national elections :Sunday 25 June 2017.
