In a conclusions document adopted in Luxembourg on Monday 17 October, the Council of the EU "reaffirms the primary responsibility of the DRC (Democratic Republic of the Congo) authorities for the holding of the elections" before the end of 2017.
The regime of Joseph Kabila, the president of the DRC, is trying to remain in power by flouting the country’s constitution in postponing the presidential elections to some unspecific date in the future although Kabila’s second term of office expires on 19 December 2016 (see EUROPE 11556). The Council says it is "deeply concerned" at the political situation in the DRC and condemns the acts of extreme violence in the country on 19 and 20 September, when riots broke out among demonstrators and law enforcement bodies.
Didier Reynders, the Belgian federal foreign minister, said on Monday that the postponement of the election is unacceptable and he hoped the presidential elections would take place in 2017. The EU stresses the urgent nature of the situation and calls for clarification by 19 December 2016 of how the transition period will be organised until the elections are held. The EU also urges the Congolese government to release all political prisoners.
The EU is prepared to provide aid to the DRC, including financial aid, to establish a transparent election process, but it warns that "if the current presidential term comes to an end without prior agreement on the electoral calendar, the EU will have to consider the impact on its relations with the government of the DRC".
The EU is prepared to use all the means at its disposal, including the use of individual sanctions, against anyone guilty of violating human rights. (Original version in French by Thomas Régnier)