In its official reaction to the announcement of the provisional results of the presidential election in the DRC on 30 December, the European Union stressed on Friday 11 January the importance of the Independent National Electoral Commission's continued work for the credibility of the election.
In a statement, the spokeswoman of the European External Action Service said: "The preliminary results are contested by part of the opposition and national observation missions in particular by the Congo National Episcopal Conference (CENCO). It is therefore important for the credibility of the process and the sincerity of the vote that CENI continues its work in accordance with the electoral law, including the publication of the minutes of each local results compilation centre”.
The day before, a spokesperson had indicated orally that there were permanent contacts with EU Member States and EU partners (see EUROPE 12169).
The EU expressed its condolences to the families of the victims of the violence that has broken out in several cities across the country, killing at least twelve people since Felix Tshisekedi's victory was proclaimed.
"At this critical time for the country's democratic transition, it is essential that all political actors refrain from any use of violence", the statement said. The EU reminded that the African Union Commission Chairperson, Mr Moussa Faki Mahamat, has called for the respect of legal recourse for any contesting of the results as well as for political dialogue. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)