The electoral process is the dominant issue in today's local papers. Some papers also comment on Bishop Monsengwo's declaration, urging the different DRC political stakeholders to initiate talks before 30 June 2006.

Published last Sunday by the Independent Electoral Commission, the electoral calendar continues to spark controversies. In this respect, L'Observateur echoes the weekly press conference of the UN Mission in DRC, indicating, "MONUC applauds the publication of the new electoral calendar," expressing hope that with the publication of the new calendar, "the Congolese process is now irreversible and the Congolese people will finally be given the possibility of voting for the first time in their history, within three months."

"It would be regrettable, even dangerous that irresponsible attitude be allowed to undermine the unique and historical opportunity for the Congolese people," explains L'Observateur, echoing MONUC deputy spokesman. The UN Mission hopes that "the upcoming elections would be safe...," concludes L'Avenir.

"The majority of the Congolese people are for the talks before 30 June 2006," says La Tempête des Tropiques. The paper suggests that the "talks include delegates of the civil society stemming mainly from the Roman catholic church, on one hand; and on the other, the meaningful political forces," says the paper, arguing, "the argument that talks would delay the elections is fallacious, especially that they have already been delayed."

Sharing this view, Le Potentiel, echoes the arguments by those in favor of the talks before 30 June 2006, holding, "the consultations will help the Congolese people to reach a political compromise for a successful end of the transition...Congolese people must agree on holding the elections late September 2006."

"This is no time for rhetoric for it would bring more confusion in people's minds," says L'Observateur, arguing, "The constitution adopted by the Congolese people provided for everything but such talks...which will culminate in perpetuating the power of those held the country hostage," explains the paper.

"All the political agitation noticed around the talks would be meaningless if one man and his political party had participated in the Transition," says L'Avenir. "Tshisekedi and UDPS want to make the Congolese people pay the price for their boycotting the electoral process," says the paper, further indicating, "even if talks were initiated, nothing assures that this party will have all that it is expecting..."

In any case, "no talks must take precedence over the electoral process. The momentum for the electoral process must not be disrupted," says La Référence Plus, echoing the Belgian Ambassador in the DRC.

In other news, MONUC accuses FARDC and the Maï Maï of committing massive human rights abuse in Katanga," reports Le Phare. Referring to MONUC Human Rights Division's report, the paper suggests "97 civilians were killed; others injured or suffered cruel and inhumane treatment between 2005 and March 2006. FARDC is reportedly responsible for 47 cases of human rights violations, 33 with summary executions."