Addis Ababa, New York, Brussels and Paris, 16 February 2016: The African Union (AU), the United Nations (UN), the European Union (EU) and the International Organisation of La Francophonie (IOF) are following closely the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), particularly in view of the upcoming set of elections in the country.

The four partner organisations underline the crucial importance of these elections, whose peaceful, transparent, smooth and timely conduct would greatly contribute to consolidating the progress made in the DRC for more than a decade. They urge all Congolese political actors to spare no effort, within the framework of the country's Constitution, to ensure the successful holding of elections, preserve peace and deepen democracy, including through a political process. The four organisations underscore the importance of dialogue and the search for an agreement between political actors that is respectful of democracy and the rule of law.

Recalling the appointment by the AU of Mr. Edem Kodjo as Special Envoy to undertake consultations on the envisaged dialogue in the DRC, the four partner organisations urge all Congolese political actors to extend him their full cooperation. They recall that the decision by the AU and the efforts of the Special Envoy on the ground fall within the framework of the relevant instruments of the AU, including the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance.

The four partner organisations commit to closely coordinating their efforts in the DRC, in accordance with their principles and values, with particular regard to the promotion of democracy and the rule of law.

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