The Secretary-General held separate meetings today in Kinshasa with representatives of the majority and the political opposition as well as members of the the civil society. He stressed the importance of political dialogue as a way to address challenges linked to the electoral process. He urged political leaders from across the political spectrum to show wisdom and to engage constructively in a dialogue, which he hoped would lead, in good time, to peaceful and credible elections within the spirit of the Constitution.

The Secretary-General commended the role of civil society in fostering democratic debate and contributing to finding a consensual solution to the current political impasse. He reiterated that the United Nations is committed to closely coordinating its efforts with the African Union as regards the promotion of democracy and the rule of law in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Earlier in the day, the Secretary-General met with H.E Mr. Matata Ponyo Mapon, Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and separately with Mr. Raymond Tshibanda, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic of the Congo. They discussed the political and security situation in the country and in the Great Lakes region.