The European Union is committed to supporting the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on its way to competitive, peaceful, inclusive and transparent elections in December 2023, according to a recent press release. The EU recognizes the work carried out by the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), while taking into account the criticisms and concerns expressed by opposition political parties and civil society organisations.
In this spirit, the EU calls on the CENI and all stakeholders to work together to organize fully inclusive, free, transparent and peaceful elections. These elections are crucial to consolidating democracy and stability in the DRC. To ensure the integrity of the electoral process, the EU stresses the importance of freedom of expression, freedom of the media, freedom of assembly, freedom of association and freedom of movement.
The EU strongly condemns any excessive or disproportionate use of force in response to peaceful protests or arbitrary detentions. It also calls on all Congolese political actors to expressly condemn hate speech and xenophobia, and to oppose any action aimed at denigrating an ethnic group, a minority or a religious community.
Finally, the EU warns against speech that could increase the risk of inter-ethnic violence and affirms that attempts at division based on ethnicity, religion, language, region or origin will not be tolerated.
This statement by the European Union shows its commitment to a transparent and democratic electoral process in the Democratic Republic of Congo. By supporting the holding of free and inclusive elections, the EU contributes to strengthening democracy and stability in the country. However, it remains to be seen how these commitments will materialize and what the results of the elections scheduled for December 2023 will be