RDC: Antoine-Gabriel Kyungu Wa Ku Mwanza – “Declaration a la suite de la journee de la marche du 31 juillet 2017 (02.08.2017)

MONUSCO underlines the need for the respect of fundamental freedoms and rights and urges all Congolese stakeholders to exercise restraint (02.08.2017)

KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of Congo, August 2, 2017 – Maman S. Sidikou, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of MONUSCO, expresses concern over the arbitrary arrests and detentions which occurred in different parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), following peaceful civil society mobilization to protest delays in the publication of the electoral calendar and call for the holding of elections before the end of the year. On 31 July 2017, the United Nations documented over 120 arrests or detentions in Kinshasa, Goma, Lubumbashi, Beni, Butembo, Bukavu and Mbandaka. Among those detained were eight media representatives, including a journalist from Okapi and two members of the international press, who were released following MONUSCO’s intervention. Crowds were also forcefully dispersed in Kisangani and in Bukavu, where the PNC used live ammunition, resulting in three persons injured.

“I am concerned by the restrictions imposed on peaceful assembly and arrests of those who seek to express their political views, as well as by the targeting of journalists and the confiscation of their materials. I call on the national and local authorities to fully uphold the fundamental rights and freedoms as enshrined in the Congolese Constitution. I also underline the need for all political stakeholders, irrespective of their partisan affiliations, to refrain from any statement or action that could heighten tension and further polarize the political landscape”, said Maman Sidikou.

The Special Representative recalls that respect of fundamental freedoms, as well as a commitment by all stakeholders to exercise restraint and uphold the spirit of dialogue and compromise, are critical for the creation of an environment conducive to the implementation of the 31 December Agreement, culminating in the holding of peaceful and credible elections.

RDC: Moise Katumbi – “Declaration a la Suite de la Journee de Mobilisation du 31 Juillet 2017 (01.08.2017)

RDC: Lucha – Information – Marche du Beni (27.07.2017)

DRC: Closure of 5 fixed bases in the North-Kivu province for the purposes of more flexibility and mobility (19.07.2017)

Those bases are located in Walikale-centre and Bunyapuri (Territory of Walikale), in Masisi-centre and Nyabiondo (Territory of Masisi) and Luofu (Territory of Lubero).

KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of Congo, July 19, 2017 – Within the framework of its change of mode of operations, MONUSCO will close, as from 31^st July, five fixed bases in the territories of Walikale, Masisi and Lubero in the North-Kivu, says the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in DRC, Maman Sidikou.

Those bases are located in Walikale-centre and Bunyapuri (Territory of Walikale), in Masisi-centre and Nyabiondo (Territory of Masisi) and Luofu (Territory of Lubero).

The new operational device consists in prioritizing flexibility and mobility in military interventions in line with the strategy adopted by the UN department of peace-keeping operations.

It includes long-distance patrols, presence demonstrations patrols, air surveillance and rapid deployment in the event of security incident.

“MONUSCO changes its mode of operations, as it continues to fulfil its mandate, that is, continuing to back Congolese authorities’ efforts for civilians’ protection,” declares M. Sidikou.

This new operational device is already being implemented in the Kasaï province, where MONUSCO has deployed, to date, three companies, say roughly 350 troops.

“To make the device more effective, it would be critical that communities swiftly transmit all security-related information to MONUSCO,” highlighted MONUSCO military authorities.

MONUSCO will therefore step up the early warning system and ensure that access to populations is improved.

Currently, MONUSCO can deploy, pursuant to the mandate set out in the resolution 2348 of March 2017, up to 16,215 troops, against 19,815 in the previous mandate.

RDC: Tribunal de Grande Instance – Lubumbashi – “Ordonnance de Fixation de date d’Audience” – Moise Katumbi Chapwe (18.07.2017)

RDC: Lucha – “Urgent: Appel a des manifestations pacifiques le lundi 31 juilet 2017, sur toute l’etendue de la RDC” (17.07.2017)

RDC: IMF letter on possible FCR support (29.06.2017)

RDC: G7 – Communique de Presse (10.07.2017)

RDC: Union Democratique Africaine Originelle – Declaration (07.07.2017)