Rwanda, Belgium ready to support peaceful DRC elections

{The Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs Didier Reynders has said his country is seeking ways of supporting efforts to address and solve the crises faced by some countries including Burundi and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).}

Today, DRC has issued an arrest warrant for Moses Katumbi, influential opposition politician and 11 supporters are arrested for alleged threatening of state security related to hiring US mercenary soldiers.

Although elections timetable in DRC has not yet been released, demonstrations have started in the country causing fear of a replica of the Burundi situation that ensued during the controversially disputed presidential elections.

Talking to journalists in the press conference held yesterday, Didier Reynders said that they are trying their best to follow up the situation in neighboring countries in the region adding that he will hold a meeting with DRC opposition leaders and Burundians, a meeting which will also be attended by the former Tanzanian president Benjamin Mkapa, appointed to spearhead the mediation and pacification efforts.

Reynders revealed a plan to give support in organizing talks between the two DRC parties opposed to each other so that presidential elections do not leave behind a wretched country.

“We are seeking possibilities of restoring peace in the region to grant a better future for all citizens of the region,” he said adding “What we can do is supporting activities from inside the country. It is in the hands of DRC leaders to determine the process. We are also exploring possibilities for Burundians to extinguish the crisis through in the ongoing talks,” said Reynders.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Louise Mushikiwabo said that they wish to see positive outcomes from decisions of Congolese as an independent nation.

“If they ask any support from Rwanda, we will discuss it because we wish a peaceful Congo and region,” she said.

Didier Reynders unveiled a plan to visit Kinshasa to hold talks with stakeholders including politicians, civil society organizations and Commission Electorale Nationale Indépendante (CENI).