Negotiated Political Settlement is the Way to Go in DRC – Hon. Malanji
Zambia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. Joseph Malanji has stated that the call by President Edgar Lungu for a government of national unity in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was necessary to bring peace and security to the country.
Speaking live on SABC, Hon. Malanji said that even in the event that all processes were complete, this could not guarantee peace and security in the DRC.
And South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Lindiwe Sisulu has called for a UN Mediation team to help arrive at a political Settlement.
Hon. Malanji who is the Chairperson of the SADC Ministerial Committee on the Organ of Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation and Head of the SADC Electoral Observer Mission in the DRC said DRC was holding the 3rd election in 60 years.
He recognized that the advisory was unprecedented and historical because of the unique position of the DRC.
Hon. Malanji thanked the DRC government for funding their own elections and for ensuring that the Congolese people expressed themselves through the ballot.
He said the government had overcome numerous challenges including security threat and disease to have this elections.
And a member of the Felix Thisikedi team based in Johannesburg, Claude Ibalanka expressed concern that the proposal might undermine the process. He called for a possible government of national team after the court process was complete
He also denied that the outcome of the recent elections was engineered by the out-going President Joseph Kabila.
But Hon. Malanji dismissed the fears, saying the matter was a strong proposal for the sake of peace.
He said President Lungu consulted widely to ensure that if engandered, lasting solution and peace will prevail.
He said Zambia agreed with South Africa proposal for mediation as it was similar to the SADC position.