Congo seeks to expel EU ambassador

Congo has called on the European Union to recall its ambassador to Brazzaville over EU criticism of President Denis Sassou Nguesso’s controversial re-election in March, Congolese and EU officials said on Saturday.

“We have formally written to Brussels to ask for the recall of EU ambassador (Saskia de Lang), who is engaging in activism activities that are contrary to the Vienna Convention,” a Congolese foreign ministry official told AFP on condition of anonymity.

The letter, signed by Foreign Minister Jean-Claude Gakosso, was sent on May 9, the official said.

We have formally written to Brussels to ask for the recall of (EU) ambassador (Saskia de Lang), who is engaging in activism activities that are contrary to the Vienna Convention

In its response on May 17, Brussels expressed its unwavering support for the EU representative, warning that “any decision from your side with regards to her will affect the relationship of trust between the EU and Congo”, an EU spokesman in Congo said.

Relations between Brussels and Brazzaville have turned sour since EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini criticised the March 20 presidential election, which saw Sassou Nguesso’s 32-year grip on power extended for another five years.

Sassou Nguesso’s win only became possible after an October constitutional referendum ended a two-term limit on presidential mandates, allowing the former paratrooper to run again in a move denounced by his opponents as “a coup”.

Congo has been on edge ever since, with deadly clashes erupting in the capital that pitted government forces against suspected rebels.

After the vote, Mogherini denounced “the grave shortcomings of electoral governance” in Congo.

“The post-election process was marred by human rights violations, arrests and intimidation of the opposition and the media,” she said.

“This brings into question the credibility of the results.”

The United States had also expressed dismay in April at the conduct of the elections.