The elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in December 2023 continue to generate fierce controversy and high stakes. The European Union (EU), aware of the importance of competitive, peaceful, inclusive and transparent elections, is committed to accompanying the DRC on this path.
In a recent statement, the EU expressed its support for the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) and underlined the importance of responding to the criticisms and concerns expressed by opposition political parties and civil society organisations. The full integrity of the electoral process requires freedom of expression, of the media, of assembly, of association and of movement.
Furthermore, the EU condemns all hate speech and xenophobia and calls on Congolese political actors to oppose any action or attitude that denigrates an ethnic group, a minority or a religious community. Attempts to divide based on ethnic, religious, linguistic, regional or origin grounds will not be tolerated.
However, the challenges to ensuring the security and fairness of elections in the DRC are numerous. Security remains a major concern, with rebel groups active in some parts of the country. Measures must be taken to guarantee the safety of voters and candidates, as well as to prevent excessive or disproportionate use of force in response to peaceful demonstrations.
Furthermore, the humanitarian crisis in the DRC adds an additional dimension of complexity. Millions of people are affected by violence and poverty, making it difficult for all citizens to participate in the electoral process. The international community must step up its efforts to provide humanitarian assistance and support stability and development in the DRC.
In this context, the fruitful meeting between the CENI and the British Ambassador is an encouraging sign of international support for the electoral process in the DRC. It is essential that the international community continues to play an active role and provide the necessary resources to ensure free and fair elections.
In conclusion, the elections in the DRC in December 2023 are crucial for the consolidation of democracy and stability in the country. The EU and other partners sharing the same values are committed to supporting the DRC on the path to competitive, peaceful, inclusive and transparent elections. However, challenges remain and concrete actions must be taken to ensure the security, fairness and participation of all citizens in the electoral process