From the United Nations Security Council, MONUSCO head James Swan delivered a strong political message to Kinshasa on Friday. He urged all Congolese stakeholders to reach agreement on the framework for an inclusive national dialogue, while stressing the imperative of safeguarding civic space and fundamental freedoms—freedom of expression and assembly in particular—so that every party can voice their views in a “peaceful and secure” environment.
This call carries special weight at a time when the constitutional debate has deeply divided the nation, and after the CENCO headquarters in Kinshasa was targeted by pro-government supporters.
On the security front, the UN diplomat welcomed the establishment of a national commission to oversee security sector reform, as well as the ongoing finalisation of the country’s first-ever national security policy, spearheaded by the presidency.
