Following Joseph Kabila’s decision to postpone the presidential election in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the president of the S&D Group in the European Parliament, Gianni Pittella said:

“Joseph Kabila’s attempt to remain in power beyond his term is unacceptable and is a danger to both the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and to the Great Lakes region as a whole, which will suffer a new wave of instability.

“We strongly believe that respect for democracy, peace and the peaceful transfer of power must now be the only priority for all political forces in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Unfortunately Kabila is showing time and time again his desire to go the opposite way."

S&D MEP Cécile Kyenge added:

“Unless there is any last minute surprise, everything points to the likelihood that this will actually happen and Kabila is increasing his resolve to keep his hands on the Congolese presidency illegally.

“The state of siege in force in Kinshasa and in the main cities of the country damages the democratic momentum, which was shaken and brings the DRC back to the terrible years of authoritarianism. We take note, with regret, of the undemocratic behaviour of the Congolese authorities and we stand ready to do all we can to protect the fundamental rights of Congolese citizens.

“The European Union cannot continue to support a country which does not comply with its constitutional responsibilities. If Joseph Kabila continues on his current path and establishes an illegal and illegitimate regime the EU must act.”