From the United Nations Security Council, MONUSCO head James Swan delivered a strong political message to Kinshasa this Friday. He urged all Congolese stakeholders to reach an agreement on the modalities of an inclusive national dialogue, while stressing the need to preserve civic space and fundamental freedoms — especially freedom of expression and assembly — so that each party can voice its views in a “peaceful and secure” environment.
This call carries particular weight as the constitutional debate continues to deeply divide the country, following the recent targeting of the CENCO headquarters by government supporters in Kinshasa.
On the security front, the UN diplomat welcomed the establishment of a national commission tasked with overseeing security sector reform, as well as the ongoing finalization of the country’s first-ever national security policy, spearheaded by the presidency.
