Security and the electoral process in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) were discussed at a recent meeting in Brussels, attended by the DRC Ambassador to Benelux and to the European Union . The security situation in eastern DRC, particularly in North Kivu, “is essentially positive”, according to Ambassador Christian Ndongala Nkuku. However, despite the agreement between the parties, the rebel group M-23 had recently started a new offensive.
During the meeting, the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) was also discussed. The DRC ambassador praised the work done by the CENI, which removed three million people from the electoral lists for various reasons. He also mentioned the enrollment of displaced people in refugee camps, as well as that of Congolese in the diaspora in five pilot countries.
The representative of the DRC also called on the European Union to take sanctions against those who destabilize the DRC, in particular against Rwanda.
In addition, the humanitarian situation in Kalehe, South Kivu, is worrying, with a death toll of 583 and 5,255 missing. Aid has been allocated to survivors, but the EU’s contribution has not been communicated.
It is important that peace efforts continue in the DRC and that measures are taken to protect the population and ensure free and fair elections