The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement:

“Canada is deeply troubled by the escalation of violence and the worsening political situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

“I am horrified by the continued violence in the Kasaï provinces, including recent reports of beheadings of ambushed police officers, as well as the discovery of the remains of two missing UN investigators and their Congolese translator. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims.

“We condemn these violent acts and remain deeply concerned about the resurgent violence and human rights violations committed in the country in recent months.

“Dialogue between the government and the opposition is now needed more than ever, as is an investigation of any human rights violations to ensure the perpetrators are held accountable.

“We join the international calls for all parties in the DRC to fully implement the political agreement facilitated by the National Episcopal Conference of the Congo (CENCO) on December 31, 2016. This includes the appointment of a prime minister from the opposition and paving the way for early elections, in accordance with the terms of the agreement.”