Washington – U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said on Tuesday, that his country expects the Democratic Republic of Congo to move forward in accordance with its own constitution, which calls for credible elections.
John Kirby, Spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, said that Kerry made the point during a recent meeting between him and DR Congo President Joseph Kabila, in New York.
Kirby said that Kerry also acknowledged that the DR Congo is heading into an historic transition.
He emphasised that the U.S. stands ready to be a partner to all those that are committed to timely, credible elections as called for by the constitution.
He quoted Kerry as saying that “the future of the DRC must be shaped by the Congolese people, all of whom must have the right to assemble and speak free of intimidation.
The opposition in DR Congo has accused president Kabila of working to extend his stay in power to contest for a third term although he had not made his position public on his political future.
Kirby said that Kerry stressed that a peaceful transition in the DRC would allow Kabila to cement his legacy. (PANA/NAN)
