From the United Nations Security Council, MONUSCO chief James Swan delivered a strong political message to Kinshasa this Friday. He called on all Congolese stakeholders to agree on the terms of an inclusive national dialogue, while stressing the need to protect civic space and fundamental freedoms—freedom of expression and assembly in particular—so that every participant can speak out in a “peaceful and secure” environment.
This appeal carries special weight as the constitutional debate deeply divides the country, and after the CENCO headquarters was recently targeted by pro-government supporters in Kinshasa.
On the security front, the UN diplomat welcomed the establishment of a national commission to oversee security sector reform, as well as the ongoing finalization of the country’s first-ever national security policy, steered by the presidency.
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