Washington, D.C. – House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce (R-CA) released the following statement on the political crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo:

“By remaining in power, President Kabila is violating the DRC’s constitution and the will of the Congolese people.  Free, fair and timely elections are the way to ensure a peaceful future.  I am pleased the Obama administration has heeded congressional calls to sanction Congolese officials undermining the democratic process.  And I look forward to working with the Trump administration to build on these efforts.” 

NOTE:  Last month the House passed Subcommittee Chairman Chris Smith’s (R-NJ) H.Res. 780, urging respect for the constitution of the DRC, by a vote of 416-3.