Ban urges dialogue to ease tensions ahead of constitutional referendum in Republic of Congo
| Publisher | UN News Service |
| Publication Date | 22 October 2015 |
| Cite as | UN News Service, Ban urges dialogue to ease tensions ahead of constitutional referendum in Republic of Congo, 22 October 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5629de7a40d.html [accessed 21 May 2023] |
| 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. |
22 October 2015 - Concerned about tensions between opposition parties and the Government of the Republic of the Congo ahead of the referendum on a new draft constitution in the country, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has encouraged all stakeholders to choose the path of dialogue and to peacefully resolve any disputes that might arise.
A statement released yesterday evening by Mr. Ban's spokesperson stressed his concerns about tensions between the Congo Government and the opposition ahead of the 25 October referendum. "Reports of recent violence are particularly worrying," noted the statement.
"The Secretary-General encourages all stakeholders to choose the path of inclusive political dialogue ahead of the referendum, and to resolve peacefully any dispute that may arise from this exercise," the statement said.
The UN chief in the statement also called on the authorities in the Republic of Congo to safeguard the right to peaceful demonstration.
