Disturbed by Reported Killing of Protesters in Democratic Republic of Congo, Secretary-General Calls on Authorities to Conduct Credible Investigation

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary‑General António Guterres:

The Secretary‑General is disturbed by reports of the killing on Sunday of at least six people during protests calling for the full implementation of the 31 December 2016 political agreement in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  Reports also suggest that 63 people were injured.  He calls on the Congolese authorities to conduct credible investigations into these incidents and to hold those responsible accountable.

The Secretary‑General urges the Congolese security forces to exercise restraint and to uphold the Congolese people’s right to freedom of speech and peaceful assembly.  He also calls upon all concerned to ensure full respect for places of worship.

The Secretary‑General, once again, calls on Congolese political actors to work towards the full implementation of the 31 December political agreement, which remains the only viable path to the holding of elections, the peaceful transfer of power and the consolidation of stability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.