Inclusive political participation & Human Rights

The European Network for Central Africa (EurAc) and its members condemn the brutal methods used by the Congolese National Police (PNC) to disperse the demonstration held on 20 May 2023 in Kinshasa. The European Union (EU) and its Member States must do everything possible to guarantee respect for the fundamental freedoms of the Congolese people throughout the country, and to contribute to the establishment of a climate conducive to the holding of free, transparent, credible, and peaceful elections in 2023. 

As part of his diplomatic visits to the African continent, President Emmanuel Macron will visit the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on 5 March, after visiting Gabon, Angola and Congo-Brazzaville. 31 civil society organisations are encouraging France to place the defence of human rights and respect for democracy at the heart of its foreign policy.

The European Network for Central Africa (EurAc) welcomes the adoption of a new European Strategy for the Great Lakes, which sends a strong signal in favor of peace and sustainable development in the region. However, EurAc is deeply concerned about the narrow economic-oriented approach chosen by the European Union (EU) as a global response to conflicts in the region. The EU has missed the opportunity of engaging on fundamental issues such as rule of law, good governance, civic space and human rights, which remain cornerstones for lasting peace in the region. 

This report takes stock of the pre-election situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). It examines the issues and challenges of the current electoral process and proposes courses of action for the European Union (EU) and its Member States to help pacify the electoral climate, reduce the potential for fraudulent elections and prevent a situation of post-electoral violence that could engulf the entire Great Lakes region.

35 signatory organisations urge the Congolese authorities to release the 13 human rights defenders (HRDs) of LUCHA, arbitrarily detained in the town of Beni after having organised a peaceful demonstration denouncing the killings of civilians in this part of the Province of North Kivu.