Following today's adoption of a resolution on the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gianni Pittella said:

“We remain consistent in our full commitment towards the people of the DRC by requesting the EU Council put the adoption of targeted sanctions on the agenda for the next meeting on 12 December. These sanctions should include visa bans and asset freezes against the high level officials and armed forces agents responsible for the violent repression of the demonstrations, and the political impasse that prevents a peaceful and constitutional transition of power; notably Kalev Mutombo, John Numbi, General Kampete, Gabriel Amisi Kumba, and Célestin Kanyama.

“According to the Constitution, president Kabila should vacate his position on 19 December.

“Since the dialogue with the DRC authorities, in the framework of Article 8 of the Cotonou Agreement with the objective of obtaining definitive clarifications on the electoral process, is failing, the current political crisis is deepening and the human rights situation is deteriorating.

“The Cotonou Agreement obliges respect for democracy, the rule of law and human rights principles, which include freedom of expression and of the media, good governance and transparency in political office. We are contributing through the European Development Fund to strengthening governance and the rule of law.

“Our commitment to democracy in Africa is not empty words; the money spent on developing democracy cannot be wasted money.” 

S&D MEP Marie Arena said:

"Unfortunately, we must admit that today, the Democratic Republic of Congo and its government are not respecting the fundamental principles included in the Cotonou Agreement; notably the freedom of expression or the respect of the Constitution regarding the organisation of the presidential elections. The European Union cannot keep its eyes closed and must act firmly to show the Congolese authorities that we will never accept the use of force and violence to shut down the voices of the opposition. 

"With just a few days to go before the official end of Joseph Kabila's mandate, the European Council and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, must take into account the European Parliament’s resolution to act and impose targeted sanctions against people clearly named in the text voted today.”

S&D MEP Cécile Kyenge said:

“The European Parliament takes note of the seriousness of the situation in the DRC and wants to put an end to the impunity of those responsible for serious violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

“We cannot let the Congolese leaders confiscate democracy and hold hostage the Congolese people.

“We must restore a future in this country; the Congolese youth and Congolese must re-establish all instruments of democracy.”

MEPs involved