United States Mission to the United Nations
Office of Press and Public Diplomacy
For Immediate Release
September 18, 2023
Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield’s Meeting with Foreign Minister Christophe Lutundula of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
The below is attributable to U.S. Mission to the United Nations Spokesperson Nate Evans:
Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, U.S. Representative to the United Nations, met today with Foreign Minister Christophe Lutundula of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield emphasized the United States’ strong support for the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) and said its transition out of the country must ensure the protection of civilians. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield stressed the need for regional leaders to engage in constructive dialogue in order to lower tensions in eastern DRC and commended President Tshisekedi for speaking out against hate speech and public incitement against Rwandophone communities.
Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield and Foreign Minister Lutundula discussed the DRC’s upcoming national elections. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield called on the DRC government to ensure elections are free and fair, and urged security forces to show restraint, respect human rights, and permit political candidates and civilians to exercise their freedoms of speech and assembly.
