Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA) and its Members have been alarmed by the reports covering the violent events that occurred in the past few days in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and particularly in Kinshasa.

According to public available information, at least 40 demonstrators and 6 police officers were killed in clashes in the capital. The headquarters of the main opposition parties were also burnt down, and members of the party who remained in the building died during the attack.

PGA fully shares the views of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) that all parties should refrain from exercising violence against persons or properties. It is indeed worth reminding all concerned stakeholders that, should the acts of violence occurring in DRC amount to international crimes, the ICC would be able to exercise its jurisdiction and investigate and prosecute the authors of such acts regardless of the rank or status of the alleged perpetrator.

The ICC has a demonstrated deterrent effect in all situations in which leaders of armed groups and entities are concerned by their reputation and international and national credibility.

In addition to the ICC framework, Congolese actors must remain aware of the applicable international law protecting human rights, and in particular how an excessive use of force violates the rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly.

DRC parliamentarians form the largest national group within PGA’s network of parliamentarians dedicated to the rule of law and human rights. PGA Members call on the authorities to organize peaceful, transparent, and free elections to ensure the respect of the Constitution and the renewal of Parliament within the timeframe set by the law. PGA supports the establishment of an inclusive dialogue between all parties and civil society, as well as forming a government of national union to cover the transitional period until democratic elections can be held.

There is no excuse for resorting to violence. The Congolese people should have and has the right to express their discontentment and opposition and to peacefully demonstrate, but acts of violence against any person or property should be investigated and prosecuted according to the law. A general climate of fear and brutality is not conducive to peaceful and democratic elections, which is what every Congolese citizen wishes for.
Hon. Thekys Thenga Banzuh Mulaila
Member of the Senate of DRC, PGA’s DRC National Group’s Vice-President

The respect of the Constitution cannot be negotiated, including the right to freedom of assembly which is enshrined in Article 26. We will continue to demand that democratic elections are held within the rules set by the Congolese Constitution. We will always do so peacefully, even though the frustration of the opposition and its supporters is real and legitimate.
Hon. Emery Okundji Ndjovu
Member of the National Assembly of DRC, Member of PGA’s DRC National Group

As the President of the national group of PGA in DRC, I can only be concerned by the recent acts of violence that have shaken our country. As Parliamentarians and Members of PGA, we are committed to the rule of law and the respect of human rights for all. This means that everything must be done to ensure that transparent and fair elections are held in a timely manner, but also that all parties should refrain from committing crimes. The Congolese people demands International Peace and Security.
Hon. Dieudonné Upira Sunguma Kamgimbi
Member of the National Assembly of DRC, PGA’s DRC National Group’s President