The African Union (AU) has called for restraint and dialogue in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the pan-African bloc says it is ready to assist the Congolese stakeholders overcome current challenges.

Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Chairperson of the AU Commission, is closely following the situation in the DRC, said AU in a statement on Thursday.

The Chairperson deplored the violence that is affecting the DRC, as well as the resultant loss of lives and destruction of property, following the recent adoption by the National Assembly of legislation on the electoral process, said the statement.

She presented AU's heartfelt condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives and wished speedy recovery to those wounded.

The Chairperson strongly appealed to all stakeholders in the DRC to exercise utmost restraint and seek, through dialogue, a consensual solution to their differences, with a view to deepening democracy and preserving peace in their country, building on the tremendous progress made over the past few years.

She underlined the obligation for all concerned to place the interest of the DRC and its people above any other consideration.

The Chairperson expressed AU's readiness to assist the Congolese stakeholders in addressing the current challenges.

In this respect, she will initiate the necessary consultations with the DRC authorities, according to the statement. Endi