DR Congo: Ban condemns deadly clashes between protestors and security forces in capital
| Publisher | UN News Service |
| Publication Date | 19 September 2016 |
| Related Document | Security Council resolution 2277 (2016) [on extension of the mandate of the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) until 31 Mar. 2017] |
| Cite as | UN News Service, DR Congo: Ban condemns deadly clashes between protestors and security forces in capital, 19 September 2016, available at: http://www.refworld.org/docid/57e131934.html [accessed 25 September 2016] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
United Nations Secretary-General today expressed deep concern about the violent clashes between protestors and security forces in Kinshasa, and several other locations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
"He condemns the violence that has already led to the death of at least 17 people, including three police officers in the capital," according to to a statement issued by Mr. Ban's spokesperson in New York.
The Secretary-General in his statement urged all concerned political leaders and their supporters to refrain from any further violence that could exacerbate the situation.
"He calls on the Congolese authorities to ensure that the national security forces exercise maximum restraint in their response to protests," the statement said, adding that the UN chief also called on all political leaders to address their differences peacefully and through dialogue, in line with Security Council resolution 2277 (2016).
Mr. Ban's call follows similar concern was expressed over the weekend by the UN Mission in the DRC, known by the French acronym MONUSCO, which noted that 16 civil society activists of the Union of Congolese Youth for Change were arrested on 15 and 16 September in Kinshasa while holding an activity on electoral civic education. The arrests were conducted by ANR and PNC officers.
The mission recalled that the freedoms of expression, association and peaceful assembly are fundamental rights enshrined in the Congolese constitution.
Maman Sambo Sidikou, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in the DRC and Head of MONUSCO, called upon all actors in the political process to "abide by the tenets of the Constitution, including peaceful freedom of expression," whether politicians, civil society activists or media organizations.
