Marking the 230th anniversary of the Independence of the United States

Remarks by Ambassador Roger A. Meece
July 2006

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I would like to convey sincere thanks to all of you for joining us this evening to share in the celebration of the birth of the United States of America.   I would also like to express my gratitude to Madame Julie Vichi, who is providing us with such enjoyable piano music this evening.  As well, I offer my sincere appreciation to the group of students from Lycée Sainte Germaine, N’djili, who have performed the national anthems.

I have the impression that we have fewer politicians here this evening than has been the case in the past.  If this means that people are out involved in campaigning for the coming elections, however, that it just fine with me.  Indeed, let me add my thanks to everyone  – candidates, Independent Election Commission officials, party workers – all who are involved in the preparations for the first democratic elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in over 40 years.  All of these people are engaged in vitally important work to create a better country, and a better future for tens of millions of Congolese.  What could be more important?  So my thanks to those people as well, even if they are unable to be here this evening.

We are celebrating this evening the anniversary of the start of an experiment – an experiment marked by the signing of our Declaration of Independence 230 years ago today.  This experiment marked the first time that a country was founded for a cause, for a principle – and that was the idea of the legitimacy and the sovereignty of a government derived from its people.  That principle started a revolution.  I refer not to the war for American independence, but to a revolution that profoundly changed the way people view themselves, their governments, and their own rights.  That revolution continues today.

As all of you know, this is also an historic month for the Congo.  In just over three weeks, we will see in this country the first round of democratic elections. These elections will produce a new government, consisting of authorities democratically elected by the people, and answerable to the Congolese people.  This too truly is a revolution, here in the largest country in central Africa, with profound significance and importance.

These elections mark a major step forward for the Congolese people.  Just as was the case in the earliest days of the United States, there is a lot of help and support from the international community, but make no mistake:  This is a process to establish democracy – government chosen by the Congolese people, of the Congolese people, and for the Congolese people.  Remarkable progress has already been realized to put into the historical past the long and sad history of poor governance, confrontation, and conflict. 

Some are asking for new negotiations and additional delays.  I have heard such talk since the 1990’s.  But for me, I say that the time for additional delays is past.  The time has come to produce concrete results, to close the Transition chapter, and to proceed to free and fair elections.  It is time for the Congolese people to speak for themselves through the ballot box.  This truly will be a major victory for all Congolese people of good will.

While this achievement represents enormous progress almost unimaginable ten years ago, we should not harbor naïve illusions.  The great new experiment launched in 1776 in Philadelphia was not perfect.  There were major unresolved problems, including true equality of opportunity, and the elimination of the enormous evils of slavery.  The American people have paid dearly in the struggle to address these problems over the years.  Indeed, we continue as a country and a people in our efforts today to realize fully and completely the ideals and principles set out by the American founders.  But those founders did establish a system that works, one that enables us to work together to solve our problems.

The elections in the Congo are the first true democratic elections in over 40 years, and for most Congolese, the first they will ever know.  They will not represent perfection.  But like those events 230 years ago in North America, they establish a process by which citizens can participate in their own governance, can work to bridge divides to identify common interests and find solutions, and define the way forward as a nation and as a people.

Success will require great efforts.  To promote constructive debate, police and other authorities must assure conditions of security in full respect for human rights and the freedom of expression.  Candidates and political leaders must strive to appeal to the best of humanity, conducting responsible campaigns and setting out a positive agenda.  Journalists and media must work to provide objective and neutral information to inform Congolese of views and events.  Not all will do so.

There is as well a massive and difficult agenda ahead, and I hope candidates and political leaders will address that agenda.  How to ensure a capable, responsible, and effective national military force, and maintain conditions of security for all?  How to attack forcefully, and ultimately eliminate, corruption at all levels, and ensure good governance?  How to rebuild effective systems of justice, promote economic development, and provide essential health, education, and other needed services to all Congolese citizens?  None of these have easy or simple answers.

I am convinced, however, that those Congolese who best contribute to a positive agenda, who avoid appeals to confrontation, hate, or violence, who can demonstrate to their fellow citizens how they can and will work with others to ensure good governance and development available to all Congolese – these will be the people who can and should ultimately succeed to serve the Congolese people in a new era of democratic governance.

The problems I have described are tough, but they can be solved.  I have every confidence that the Congolese people will continue to enjoy strong support and solidarity in these efforts from the international community following successful elections, to help take on all these challenges.  I can certainly assure you unequivocally that the United States will remain a strong partner and friend, fully committed to continuing our work to support the legitimate aspirations of the Congolese people.

This is an exciting and remarkable time, full of promise for the future.  I am very happy to have the privilege of being here to witness this period, and have already applied for my credentials as an election observer, along with many, many others.  I very much look forward to this election season and  am extremely pleased that I will be in Kinshasa to see an elected President and parliament take office, opening a promising new era of democracy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

In concluding, I would like to alter the formula for the traditional toast.  Instead of toasting our two countries and their leaders, I would like to invite you to join me in a toast to the first round of democratic Congolese elections on July 30, to the Congolese people, and to a new, democratic future!