The African Union Commission Chairperson, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, has called on political stakeholders and the general public to calmly and patiently wait for the results of the presidential elections that took place in the Republic of Congo on Sunday, 20 March 2016.

The Chairperson of the AU Commission equally urges the Government of the Republic of Congo to immediately re-establish telecommunication lines to the general public, which the Minister of Interior and Decentralization ordered to be blocked on  20 and 21 March 2016. Mobile telephone connections have remained blocked during and after the elections, affecting general communications as well as creating anxiety around the results of the elections.

The Chairperson of the AU Commission takes the opportunity to congratulate the people of Congo for peacefully and orderly turning out to vote in the elections. She stresses the need for peace and tranquility to reign as the official proclamation of the election results is awaited by the National Independent Electoral Commission.

The AU Commission Chairperson reiterates her call on the citizens and political actors in the Republic of Congo to respect the election results, the will of the people, and when necessary use orderly and lawful channels to seek non-violent resolution of any elections-related disputes.