Press statement of the 298th meeting of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU)

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, November 18, 2011/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The Peace and Security of the African Union (AU), at its 298th meeting, held on 17 November 2011, was briefed by the Commissioner for Peace and Security on the visits that the Panel of the Wise and Chairperson of the Commission undertook to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), respectively from 6 to 8 October and from 6 to 8 November 2011, in the context of the presidential and legislative elections of 28 November 2011. Council was also briefed by the representative of the DRC.

Council underlined the importance of the second post‐conflict elections in the DRC, whose smooth conduct will facilitate the consolidation of peace and strengthening of the democratic process.

Council commended the initiative of the Panel of the Wise and the Chairperson of the Commission and endorsed the messages that were delivered to all the Congolese actors on the occasion, as reflected in the communiqués issued on 9 November 2011, at end of the visit of the Chairperson of the Commission. In this context, Council urged all the stakeholders to fully engage themselves in the process, demonstrate a sense of responsibility in both words and acts, and to create a climate conducive for the holding of free, democratic and peaceful elections. Council insisted on the imperative of the respect of constitutional framework and the institutions of the country.

Council requested the Chairperson of the Commission to continue to closely follow the evolution of the situation and to take any initiative that he will deem necessary to support the electoral process and facilitate its good conduct. In this regard, Council commended the steps being taken for the deployment of an electoral observation mission, as well as the provision by the Commission of a symbolic financial assistance for the electoral process.