Addis Ababa, Brussels, Kinshasa, New York, Paris, 24 September 2016: The African Union (AU), the United Nations (UN), the European Union (EU), the International Organization of La Francophonie (IOF) are gravely concerned by the recent violent events in Kinshasa and elsewhere in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where protesters and security forces clashed, resulting in loss of life.

The four partner organizations call on all political actors in the DRC, including the presidential majority and the political opposition, to exercise maximum restraint in their actions and statements and to urge their supporters to refrain from violence. They also urge the authorities of the DRC to promote and protect human rights, and to uphold fundamental freedoms enshrined in the Constitution, including when managing public order situations. All stakeholders, including officials of judicial and security institutions, have an individual responsibility to act in full compliance with the rule of law and human rights, and will have to face the consequences should they fail to do so.

While committed to continuing to support the ongoing national dialogue, the four partner organizations recall that only an inclusive dialogue resulting in an agreement involving the widest range of political actors will pave the way towards peaceful and credible elections, in accordance with the DRC Constitution and Security Council Resolution 2277 (2016). The four partner organizations urge the Government of the DRC to remain engaged in the dialogue process, including trough continued confidence-building measures, and encourage the political groups who are not part of the current talks to play a constructive role with a view to contributing to the holding of credible elections at the earliest possible date.

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