On Monday 9 December, the EU Council sent a message of encouragement to the Congolese authorities, accompanied by one of vigilance.
In conclusions on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) adopted without debate at the meeting of European Foreign Ministers, the EU Council emphasises that the first peaceful transfer of power in the country’s history, opens a window of opportunity for stability and sustainable and inclusive development in the DRC and the region as a whole.
The EU Council stresses that an open and frank political dialogue with the Congolese authorities, as well as with civil society representatives and political stakeholders, will allow the two parties to jointly establish reciprocal commitments that will guide the EU’s support for the reform programme. “On that basis, the EU will be able to work constructively in the DRC. It will regularly assess the development of this partnership”, the conclusions state.
The EU Council notes the significant challenges facing the government in its commitments to reform the country and reaffirms the EU's commitment to support in key areas such as humanitarian aid, strengthening civil society, gender equality, the empowerment of women and the fight against climate change.
“President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo has clearly expressed his wish for European Union (EU) support for, and commitment to, the DRC. The EU will continue to be a partner and key interlocutor of the DRC and recalls that its support for the Congolese people has never ceased”, the EU Council stresses.
Reduction of sanctions. On the same day, the EU Council decided to maintain individual restrictive measures against several persons in the DRC, while reducing the list of targeted persons. Sanctions have been lifted for two people: Lambert Mende and Roger Kibelisa. The sanctions were adopted in 2016 against persons obstructing the electoral process and were last renewed a year ago (see EUROPE 12156/6). (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)