EU-erklæring om Den demokratiske republikken Kongo

The European Union is a longstanding partner of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and its people, and is constantly monitoring developments in the country's political, security and humanitarian situation.

The elections scheduled for 23 December 2018 are a historic opportunity for the Democratic Republic of the Congo to bring about its first democratic and peaceful transfer of power. The European Union reiterates its support for the elections, which should be held in an inclusive, transparent, credible and peaceful manner, with full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. The New Year's Eve Agreement and UN Security Council Resolution 2409 clearly spell out, to all the political actors involved as well as to the other stakeholders, the conditions that must be met in order to find a sustainable way out of the crisis, hold credible elections and ensure a peaceful transfer of power. The European Union encourages all the parties concerned to implement them.

The government and the CENI have a major responsibility for the future of the country. They must work to ensure the elections are well administered, by sticking to the time frame and meeting the required standards of transparency and efficiency. Independent election observation by regional organisations and civil society actors has a key role to play. Genuine participation by women in all stages of the electoral process must be guaranteed.

The EU also encourages the government to take steps to increase voters' trust and bolster the credibility of the process, and to engage transparently with all stakeholders throughout the process, as well as guaranteeing the freedom of the political arena. The EU calls on all stakeholders to refrain from inciting violence, to abide by the applicable code of conduct and obligations, and to settle their differences in a peaceful manner. Freedom of the press, freedom to engage in peaceful demonstration and equitable access to the media – in compliance with the DRC's international obligations – will also be key elements in ensuring the credibility of the process.

The situation in the east of the country requires greater engagement on the part of the Congolese authorities, inter alia to ensure that the elections can take place in optimal conditions in that region.

The European Union will closely follow the elections in the DRC. The holding of inclusive, transparent, credible and peaceful elections will be important for the EU's future engagement with the democratically elected authorities in the DRC for the future development of the country in the interest of the Congolese people.

The candidate countries Montenegro*, Serbia* and Albania*, the country of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidate Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the EFTA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, as well as the Republic of Moldova and Georgia align themselves with this Declaration.

* Montenegro, Serbia and Albania continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.