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DR Congo's political players in draft agreement to end crisis

Democratic Republic Of Congo

Political actors in the Democratic Republic of Congo have reached an agreement on the best way to manage the country post the expiry of the term of President Joseph Kabila.

The agreement provides for the management of post-December 19, the date of the end of the second and final term of Joseph Kabila, and the organization of elections in April 2018.

According to the draft, President Kabila will remain in office until the installation of a newly elected President. He will manage the country with a prime minister from the opposition.

The agreement – which has to be signed in plenary – was reached over the weekend between the ruling and some opposition parties participating in the national dialogue in the troubled nation.

However, most of Congo’s main opposition groups boycotted the negotiations.

Submission of applications for the elections is planned for 30 October 2017 with the main polls taking place six months later, thus culminating in April 2018.

Sources say the management of the transition period will be placed under the supervision of a committee of the opposition and the civil society.

The commission will supported by DRC’s partner organizations, including the United Nations, European Union and the African Union.

The select committee is expected to meet with the facilitator of the talks, Edem Kodjo before the convening of the plenary sitting and which is expected to pave the way for the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement.

DRC has been rocked by deadly anti-government protests in recent months with the opposition claiming President Kabila is plotting to extend his tenure by delaying elections.

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