U.S., U.K. SPEAKS AGAINST THE CLAMPDOWN OF A PEACEFUL PROTEST BY DR CONGO

U.S., U.K. condemns the crackdown of protest by DR Congo

The United State and United Kingdom in a joint statement to Democratic republic of Congo (DRC), they said that “The use of disproportionate and lethal force against Congolese citizens and the cutting of internet and SMS services breached assurances from the DRC Presidency that security forces had been instructed to protect the fundamental rights of citizens while maintaining public order.”

The statement also showed concern for the random arrest of  peaceful protesters including religious leaders and journalists, saying it is against democracy and the international human rights.

The statement was concluded saying, “We call on the government to investigate and hold accountable security force members who fired on civilians or ordered the use of lethal force. Also reiterate our call to the DRC government to release political prisoners, end politically motivated persecutions, stop the duplication of political parties, allow political parties to change the representatives of the National Independent Electoral Commission, and respect the fundamental freedoms of the Congolese people as it agreed to do when it signed the St. Sylvestre Accord on 31 December 2016.”

The statement was issued by their respective embassies in the DRC signed by British Ambassador, John Murton and Jennifer Haskell, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires.