The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is preparing to welcome European Union (EU) election observers for the elections to be held in December. An EU delegation met the Congolese Deputy Prime Minister in charge of defense to discuss security conditions. This exploratory mission aims to ensure that the political, security and logistical conditions are satisfactory before the deployment of the observers in December.
The head of the EU exploratory mission explained that the delegation was received by the Deputy Prime Minister to inquire about security conditions, particularly in Goma where some of the observers will be deployed. The Deputy Prime Minister also told the delegation that certain places were “hot spots”.
The EU exploratory mission was also received by the National Assembly to ascertain the political, security and logistical conditions. The EU’s response will be given to the Congolese government next September.
This visit comes at a time when the political situation in the DRC is tense, with accusations of political oppression and violence against opponents. The DRC also faces economic challenges, particularly with the end of the gasoline subsidy in Angola affecting the economies of neighboring countries. Despite this, the DRC continues to seek to strengthen its diplomatic ties with other countries.