“(The UN peacekeeping mission) Monusco is developing contingency plans in the event of widespread violence in the context of the electoral process.”

 
Political uncertainty over the next presidential election in the Democratic Republic of Congo, could lead to a severe crisis.
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has said the United Nations peacekeepers are developing emergency plans for widespread violence.

The secretary general said: “I am concerned that in the absence of a credible and meaningful political dialogue among Congolese stakeholders, tensions could degenerate into a severe crisis, with a high risk of relapse into violence and instability.”
President Joseph Kabila’s opponent are accusing him of trying to cling to power, after the Congolese government said it is unlikely that elections will be held in November due to logistical reasons.
However, the government has denied the claim.
Kabila has been in power since 2001, and is barred by the constitution from ruling a third term.
Since last year, dozens have been arrested in what the UN and rights groups are saying is an escalating attack on political disputes ahead of the election.
“I urge the government of Democratic Republic of Congo to respect freedom of expression, assembly and information as fundamental rights that are essential to the conduct of free and fair elections,” Ban said.
“(The UN peacekeeping mission) Monusco is developing contingency plans in the event of widespread violence in the context of the electoral process.”
The UN security council will be briefed on the UN peacekeeping mission on Thursday