By By Godfrey Olukya 1-1-2017
United Nations Secretary general Ban Ki-moon has welcomed the signing in Kinshasa, by the opposition and President Kabila , of a political agreement on the holding of elections in Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and transitional arrangements leading up to the polls.
“The Secretary-General commends all actors involved in this effort, including the leaders of the opposition and of the Majorité présidentielle, and the Conférence épiscopale nationale du Congo (CENCO) for leading the mediation,” said a statement issued by Mr. Ban’s spokesperson. “He calls on them to abide by the agreement just signed. He underscores the commitment of the United Nations to support its implementation, in line with resolution 2277 (2016).”
According to the statement, this long-awaited development builds on an initial agreement signed on 18 October between part of the opposition and the Majorité présidentielle, and represents a significant step towards a peacefully managed transition consistent with the democratic principles enshrined in the country’s Constitution.
Noting that all political actors must work to ensure an environment conducive to free, fair, and credible elections, including by refraining from violence, the Secretary-General encouraged the Government to redouble its efforts to uphold fundamental rights and freedoms, which are essential to a credible electoral process, the statement said.
On his final day at the helm of the United Nations, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon wishes continued success to the people and the Government of the DRC in their efforts to achieve peace and stability, the statement concluded.
There has been tension in DRC after president Kabila refused to step down on December 19th 2016 when his term in office expired. He said that elections could not take place this year because voters register is disorganized and need updating.
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