Congolese opposition groups have accused Kabila, who won disputed
elections in 2006 and 2011, of maneuvering to stand for a third term,
which is barred by the constitution. Kabila has not commented on his
future.
U.S.
Secretary of State John Kerry (L) meets with President of the Democratic
Republic of Congo Joseph Kabila at the State Department in Washington,
August 4, 2014.
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry stressed the need for timely and credible elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo during a recent meeting with President Joseph Kabila, the State Department said on Monday amid concerns by opposition groups that Kabila may be seeking to delay elections.
Kerry and Kabila held talks on the sidelines of the signing of a global climate pact at the United Nations on Friday.
Congolese
opposition groups have accused Kabila, who won disputed elections in
2006 and 2011, of maneuvering to stand for a third term, which is barred
by the constitution. Kabila has not commented on his future.
"The
Secretary did emphasize that the U.S. stands ready to be a partner to
all of those who are committed to timely, credible elections as called
for by the DRC's constitution," State Department spokesman John Kirby told a press briefing.
The
Congolese government has suggested that logistical and budgetary
constraints could force it to postpone the poll, a move some of Kabila's
opponents say is a deliberate tactic by the president to cling to
power.
"The Secretary stressed that a peaceful transition in the DRC will allow President Kabila to cement his legacy," Kirby added.
During their meeting, Kerry also emphasized that citizens should be allowed to speak freely without intimidation.
Police,
using tear gas, dispersed hundreds of anti-government protesters in
southeastern DRC on April 20. Since then authorities have arrested
dozens of critics of Kabila in what the U.N. and human rights groups
said were trumped up charges.
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