From the United Nations Security Council, MONUSCO chief James Swan delivered a strong political message to Kinshasa this Friday. He urged all Congolese stakeholders to reach agreement on the modalities of an inclusive national dialogue while emphasizing the need to preserve civic space and fundamental freedoms—particularly freedom of expression and assembly—to ensure every stakeholder can participate in a peaceful and secure environment.

The appeal carries particular weight as the constitutional debate deepens divisions across the country and the headquarters of the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) 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 and the ongoing finalization of the country’s first-ever national security policy, led by the presidency.