The United States of America has appealed to the people of Democratic Republic of Congo to embrace unity as they mourn the former opposition leader, Etienne Tshisekedi.
The message from the Donald Trump’s administration since the death of Tshisekedi on Wednesday in Brussels was issued on Saturday night.
“While this is a difficult period and a time of mourning in the DRC, it is also a moment for unity. We urge the Congolese people to come together and honor Tshisekedi’s memory by continuing to pursue his
ideals of a peaceful and democratic Congo,” part of the message issued by the Department of States said.
Mr. Tshisekedi who held several senior positions in the then Zaire including that of Prime Minister, was considered the most prominent and unifying opposition figure in the volatile mineral rich nation.
His death came about a month after the government of President Joseph Kabila signed a peace deal with the opposition parties.
According to the peace accord, Kabila is expected to step down in one year and a transitional government with the opposition member appointed Prime Minister and bestowed executive powers, is also supposed to be put in place.
The demise of Tshisekedi has however posed significant uncertainties in the future of the peace deal.
The Trump administration also appealed to the parties involved to respect and implement the deal.
“To that end, we call on all parties to the December 31, 2016 agreement and their supporters to work even more diligently towards its timely implementation and toward the country’s first democratic
transfer of power.”
According to the US, fulfilling the peace deal is setting a firm political future for the unstable Great Lakes nation.
“These achievements would be both a solid foundation for the DRC’s future and a lasting tribute to Etienne Tshisekedi’s legacy.”