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DRC's main opposition coalition opens up to dialogue with President Kabila

Democratic Republic Of Congo

It appears there might be some light at the end of the tunnel as far as the political stalemate in the Democratic Republic of Congo is concerned.

The main opposition coalition which has consistently boycotted calls by president Joseph Kabila for a national dialogue, has hinted of its interest in meeting him.

The meeting, expected to take place possibly at the weekend, will be mediated by the Catholic church which has been active in trying to resolve the political crisis.

This comes as the ultimatum given by opposition supporters to the president to leave office draws close.

The opposition political coalition has asked the president to leave office on December 19, the date which officially marks the end of his tenure.

The DRC’s highest court ruled in May that Kabila could stay on beyond his mandate until a new president is elected.

The presidential election is now expected to be held in April 2018.

Time is running out for both sides to reach a deal on the country’s political future and this meeting, presents possibly the final opportunity to achieve that as well as prevent the current political crisis from deteriorating further.

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