Strasbourg, 10/03/2016 (Agence Europe) - In a joint resolution from the EPP, S&D, ECR, ALDE, Greens/EFA and EFDD groups adopted in Strasbourg on Thursday 10 March, the European Parliament has expressed its grave concern at the deteriorating security and human rights situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Since January 2015, those responsible for security and intelligence in the DRC have been harassing peaceful campaigners, journalists and political opponents to President Joseph Kabila's attempts to change the constitution in order to remain in power beyond his constitutionally-mandated two-term limit.
“The government is responsible for preventing any deepening of the current political crisis or escalation of violence and to respect, protect and promote the civil and political rights of its citizens”, the MEPs state, condemning the use of force by the Congolese authorities against peaceful, unarmed campaigners, and condemning the targeted repression against opposition members, civil society and the media. The Parliament urges the DRC authorities to comply with the constitution, and to guarantee an environment conducive to “transparent, credible and inclusive” elections before the end of 2016. (Original version in French by Emmanuel Hagry)