Un calls for consensus and respect for freedoms in Drc national dialogue

Speaking from the UN Security Council on Friday, the head of MONUSCO, James Swan, delivered a strong political message to Kinshasa. He urged all Congolese stakeholders to reach an agreement on the framework for an inclusive national dialogue, while emphasizing the importance of protecting civic space and fundamental freedoms, especially freedom of expression and assembly, so that every participant can express themselves in a “peaceful and secure” environment.

This appeal comes at a particularly resonant time, as the constitutional debate deeply divides the nation and the CENCO headquarters was recently targeted by government supporters in Kinshasa.

On the security front, the UN diplomat welcomed the establishment of a national commission to oversee the reform of the security sector, as well as the ongoing finalization of the country’s first-ever national security policy, led by the presidency.