Secretary-General Welcomes Continued Mediation by Religious Leaders for Inclusive Elections in Democratic Republic Of Congo

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General welcomes the announcement of the continuation of the mediation led by the Conférence épiscopale des églises du Congo (Catholic Church — CENCO), to achieve a more inclusive consensus on the holding of elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  He takes note of President Kabila's expressed support and encouragement to CENCO's mediation, and of the stated readiness of The Rassemblement opposition platform to remain engaged in dialogue.

The Secretary-General expresses his support for the mediation led by CENCO.  He calls on all political actors in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to recommit to this mediation.

Less than two weeks before the end of President Kabila's second and final term in office, the Secretary-General underlines the need to pursue, in earnest, this Congolese-owned process to reach a consensual and peaceful solution to the current impasse.