DRC: Joseph Kabila agrees to leave after 2017 elections-opposition source

The episcopal conference of the DR Congo has succeeded in mediating a historic political deal to be signed Friday following months of negotiations, opposition sources say.

According to AFP sources who have taken a glance at the document, the deal suggests the setting up of a political transition and the holding of the presidential election before the end of 2017.

The same source hints that the prime minister will be appointed from the opposition coalition and Joseph Kabila has accepted not to seek a third mandate in accordance with the country’s constitution.

Sources told Reuters Ettienne Tshisekedi will oversee the implementation of the deal.

A government spokesman declined to comment.

On Thursday night the legal teams of both camps were busy finalising the draft document for its adoption in plenary early Friday morning before a formal signing ceremony in the afternoon.

At least 40 people have been killed as protests escalated after Kabila’s mandate ended on December the 19th.