ABOUT 300 Congolese nationals marched to Parliament yesterday to plead with the government to mediate in a political crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The issue revolves around President Joseph Kabila running for another term.
Kabila became president after the death of his father Laurent on January 16, 2001.
In May, the DRC’s top court ruled that he could stay in office beyond his mandate if the presidential election was delayed.
But he has come under pressure to step down, with opposition members accusing him of trying to hang onto power by trying to delay elections. Elections are scheduled for November 27 and his term of office expires on December 20.
Congolese Diaspora Community spokesperson Christian Mampuya said countries have abandoned the DRC.
“We have no one to turn to. We are at the mercy of this dictator (Kabila) who wants to cling to power at all costs.” Mampuya said contrary to Nelson Mandela, who was scrupulously fair in mediating between then president Mobutu Sese Seko and rebel leader Laurent Kabila, the Zuma administration was siding with the DRC’s ruling party.
He said the expectation of the Congolese people was not only about the cessation of war and the restoration of peace, but also about replacing the current system with one centred on democracy and the rule of law.
“Things have gone from bad to worse in the DRC,” he said.
“South Africa’s famous quite diplomacy is viewed as a mockery by Congolese. The time has come, in the true spirit of ubuntu and Pan Africanism, for South Africa to stand up with the Congolese people.”
Clayson Monyela, spokesperson for the Department of International Relations and Co-operation (Dirco), said it was not up to South Africa alone to resolve DRC’s political situation.
He said the DRC is a member of the AU and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
“For South Africa to intervene in another country’s internal affairs would be undermining that country’s sovereignty. If there is a need for political intervention in the DRC, then it is up to the AU. They (the AU) would delegate leadership from SADC to play a mediation role.”