His Excellency President Jacob Zuma has expressed concern over the violent incidences that took place in the past few days in the Democratic Republic of Congo, resulting in the deaths of people, leaving many injured and causing physical damage to infrastructure in the country.

These incidences threaten the hard won democratic gains made by the DRC through the past two elections. President Zuma calls upon on all the parties in the Democratic Republic of Congo to participate in the Inclusive National Dialogue, as facilitated by Mr Edem Kodjo on behalf of the African Union (AU), and supported by regional and international institutions. The National Dialogue is aimed at bringing peace in the DRC through dialogue leading to the adoption of a Roadmap to national elections.

We continue to call on all parties to exercise restraint and to take urgent steps to end the violence and restore the protection given to the people of DRC through its Constitution.

South Africa which has partnered with the people of the DRC for the past 2 and half decades continues to provide support to the people of the DRC to achieve lasting and sustainable peace, security and development in the country, said President Zuma
In conclusion President Zuma extended his condolence to the families of all those who lost their lives and wishes the injured a speedy recovery.

Issued by Department of International Relations and Cooperation