DRC prodded

THE African Union says it is crucial that respect for the rights and freedoms of all Congolese are guaranteed in line with the Constitution and relevant African and international instruments.

And US media have indicated that the US Government has threatened sanctions against the Congo DR for failure to adhere to international treaties to maintain peace and free and fair elections. African Union Commission chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat said they were closely following the developments in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with the presidential nominations deadline drawing to a close today.

This comes after Congolese presidential aspirant Moise Katumbi appealed for safe passage into the Congo DR to allow him make submissions for his candidature in the forthcoming elections.

Mr Katumbi went on a self-imposed exile for fear of imprisonment after he was convicted and given a 36-month jail term for criminal charges he objected to. The Congolese businessman turned politician, who was also Katanga province governor in the mineral rich country has been in Zambia after attempts to cross into Congo '5 were foiled as that countr\’s Immigration denied him entry.

And Mr Mahamat has called for assurance of the implementation of appropriate confidence-building measures, that the AU hopes could create an environment conducive to a level pla\ing electoral field.

Congo DR is expected to go for presidential and legislative elections on December 23, 2018, which President Joseph .abila reaffirmed would be held on time and restated his commitment regarding respect for the Constitution.

The Financial Times (FT.

com) has reported that the Trump administration was already considering further sanctions against 3resident .abila’s regime to dissuade him from trying to hold on to power, according to speculation that he would go for another term in office.