VP/HR — Outcome of elections in Congo (Brazzaville)

14.4.2016

Question for written answer P-003033-16
to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)
Rule 130
Louis Aliot (ENF)

The Republic of the Congo today faces a period of instability characterised by a general climate of insecurity, serious violations of human rights and anti-democratic control of the opposition, following a sequence of electoral events marked by a constitutional coup and a disputed presidential election. Certain pro-opposition districts or towns are being subjected to bombing, with evidence of unacceptable crimes and executions being carried out. And this is happening with the complicit silence of France and the European Union.

Even though this situation has given the EU several opportunities to speak out, at no time has the opposition been given the chance to argue its case.

— Why did the Vice-President/High Representative not demand a recount of the votes after the presidential election, as requested by the opposition candidates?

— Why is the Vice-President/High Representative not proposing sanctions, including freezing the assets of certain civilian and military political leaders, as it has done in other instances?