Belgium wants “credible” and “transparent” elections in 2023
Belgian Foreign Minister Sophie Wilmès said on Friday that she had informed her Congolese counterpart, Christophe Lutundula Apala Pen’Apala, of Belgium’s attachment to the holding of elections “credible” and “transparent“in 2023 in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), then the organization of these scrutiny seems to be marking time.
The head of Belgian diplomacy and Deputy Prime Minister met Friday in Brussels with Mr. Lutundula, also Deputy Prime Minister and who is staying in Belgium from Thursday to Saturday.
“This visit comes with the will of Belgium and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to strengthen their strategic partnership and maintain close consultation in many areas.“following the visit carried out from September 18 to 22, 2019 by Congolese President Felix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, the two ministers said in a joint statement.
This presidential visit was notably reflected in the signing of a memorandum on strengthening cooperation between the two foreign ministries, which provides for consultations with regular declarations.
In their press release, Ms. Wilmès and Mr. Lutundula welcome the “excellent relationships“and the spirit of mutual respect that characterizes them, with reference to the political consultations held in Brussels in September 2019 as well as in January 2021 at the level of the ministries of foreign affairs.
During their meeting, Mr. Lutundula gave an overview of the current political issues in the DRC. Ms. Wilmès for her part “in particular reiterated Belgium’s commitment to the holding of credible and transparent elections in 2023, to the fight against impunity and corruption as well as to the continuous improvement of the human rights situation“, says the press release.
The organization of general elections – presidential, legislative and provincial – scheduled for the end of 2023 seems to be slipping: the DRC still does not have an independent National Electoral Commission (Céni) operational two years from the deadline.
The Congolese National Assembly confirmed on Saturday the choice of an office of the Ceni by Denis Kadima Kazadi, despite the veto of the Catholic episcopate, which accuses him of “Corruption“- and its alleged proximity to the presidential camp, denounced by the opposition. But Mr. Tshisekedi must confirm this choice with a presidential ordinance which is long overdue.