United Nations: The UN Security Council on Tuesday deplored the recent violence in Congo and urged the government and opposition to remain committed to the political process and resolve their disputes through dialogue.
In a presidential statement, the council expressed "grave concern" at the loss of lives, especially civilians', in March 22-25 clashes between Congolese security forces and security guards of Jean-Pierre Bemba, a former warlord who was runner-up in last fall's presidential election.
Aid groups say at least 155 people died in the fighting.
"The Security Council regrets the use of violence, instead of dialogue, to resolve disputes, and urges all Congolese stakeholders to pursue negotiated solutions to their differences with respect for the constitutional framework and the law," the statement said.
The mineral-rich Central African nation has been wracked by years of war and decades of dictatorship.
Last fall's presidential poll marked Congo's first free elections in over 40 years, but the government led by President Joseph Kabila remains fragile.
France's UN Ambassador Jean-Marc de La Sabliere said the council could not "keep silent after what happened a few days ago in Kinshasa."
"Yes, there is a legitimate government. Yes, militias are not acceptable, but dialogue is important," he said.
"It's important also for the opposition to be able to play a role, but it should be a constructive role, and violence cannot be accepted,” he added.
Bemba, whom Congo's government accuses of attempting an insurrection, has said a failed assassination plot started the clashes.
The former warlord, now a senator in the newly formed government, said two battalions of government troops surrounded his house before the gunfire started.
Bemba sought refuge in the South African Embassy after the confrontation, and Congo's chief prosecutor has issued a warrant for his arrest, charging him with high treason.
Kabila has given Bemba permission to seek medical care in Portugal, but Congo's court and other authorities have not yet signed off on the travel plan, Bemba's spokesman said Sunday.
The Security Council emphasised "the legitimacy of the new democratically elected institutions" but underlined that they most respect the rule of law and human rights and avoid "any unnecessary or disproportionate use of force."
Comments
0 comment