Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Didier Reynders is outraged by the death of two members of the UN expert group in the Central Kasai province (Democratic Republic of the Congo) which had disappeared along with their Congolese escorts. He wishes to pay tribute to Michael Sharp and Zaida Catalan and their struggle for the defense of the United Nations values. He also expresses his condolences to their families, friends and colleagues.
 

Didier Reynders condemns the recent wave of violence and human rights violations in the Kasai provinces. A national and international independent investigation is necessary and those responsible should be brought to justice.
 
More than ever, the political agreement of 31^st December 2106 should be faithfully implemented. This requires the appointment of a prime minister presented by the opposition and the organisation of fair and transparent elections in 2017. Urgent measures must also be taken to restore the rights and freedoms, as foreseen in the agreement.