Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma has called on political parties in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to exercise restraint and to take urgent steps to end the violence.
President Zuma made the appeal in a statement after violent clashes between protestors and security forces took place in Kinshasa and several other locations.
About 17 people, including three policemen, were killed on Monday alone in heavy clashes between protesters and police in Kinshasa. Others were left injured while damaging infrastructure in the country.
“We continue to call on all parties to exercise restraint and to take urgent steps to end the violence and restore the protection given to the people of DRC through its constitution,” said President Zuma.
He called upon on all the parties to participate in the Inclusive National Dialogue, as facilitated by Edem Kodjo on behalf of the African Union (AU).
The National Dialogue, supported by regional and international institutions, is aimed at bringing peace in the DRC through dialogue leading to the adoption of a Roadmap to national elections.
South Africa, which has partnered with the people of the DRC for the past two decades, continues to provide support to the people of the DRC to achieve lasting and sustainable peace, security and development in the country, added President Zuma.
The DRC has suffered repeated bouts of unrest since the President Joseph Kabila, announced that elections scheduled for later this year would be delayed.
Opponents say Kabila, whose second term in power expires in December, is trying to cling to power undemocratically. - SAnews.gov.za
