Opposition coalition protests proposed aid from Belgium

A coalition of DRC political opposition parties, les Partis de l’Opposition Politique Congolaise, submitted a letter on Wednesday to the government of Belgium protesting against Belgium’s “partisan attitude” following its recent decision to recommence structural aid to the Kabila government in advance of the inter-Congolese dialogue. This, they argued, would be counter to the best interests of the Congolese people. They cited Belgian Secretary of State for Cooperation Eddy Boutmans as having said “cooperation is not for supporting a government, whichever it may be, nor is it to permit Belgium to assure its international prestige. It is there to help the people.” According to the coalition, the best means to assist “the beleaguered Congolese people” is by providing increased indirect cooperation through NGOs while waiting until “legitimately selected representatives” are chosen by the Congolese themselves.