SECRETARY-GENERAL STRESSES RECONCILIATION IN MESSAGE TO MARK PRESIDENTIAL

INAUGURATION IN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

 

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan’s message to the ceremony marking the inauguration of His Excellency Joseph Kabila as delivered by Jean-Marie Guéhenno, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, in Kinshasa today, 6 December:

I extend my warmest congratulations to His Excellency Joseph Kabila on his inauguration as President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, following the country’s first democratic elections in more than 40 years.  I also congratulate the Congolese people, whose peaceful, enthusiastic and determined participation was critical in ensuring the success of the electoral process.  And I pay tribute to the candidates in the presidential, national assembly and provincial assembly elections, as well as their supporters, for their important role in the democratic process.

The inauguration taking place today is a historic moment for the Democratic Republic of the Congo, marking the formal conclusion of the transitional process envisaged under the Global and All-Inclusive Agreement.  Under the commendable stewardship of the transitional government, led by President Kabila, much progress was made during this period.  I wish the new Government every success as it now begins to address the multifaceted challenges of reconstruction, recovery and development that lie ahead.

The Congolese people have understandably high expectations.  They are looking to their leaders and elected officials to deliver a peace dividend, and to make a clear break with the past.  They want to live in a new Congo:  a State in which they have access to basic services; in which they can benefit from the wealth generated by the country’s vast natural resources; in which they have equitable access to justice, and which fosters an open and inclusive political environment.

To achieve these goals, I encourage the Government to work closely with the Congolese people and civil society throughout the country to stimulate economic growth, reform the security sector, protect human rights, and strengthen economic governance, democracy and the rule of law.  Reconciliation will be crucial, especially given what the country has been through.  I urge the Congolese people to work together to resolve their differences peacefully, through legitimate channels, and, thereby, avoid renewed upheaval that could keep the country from pursuing the new path it has chosen.

As you lay these foundations for peace, stability and sustainable development, I wish to assure you that the United Nations will continue to be your close partner in building a new and more hopeful era for all.

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For information media • not an official record