Congo deal calls on Kabila to step down after 2017 election

Congolese President Joseph Kabila has reportedly agreed to step down after elections in 2017, according to a tentative agreement struck by the various political parties. Kabila's mandate ran out earlier this month.

President Joseph Kabila, in power for 15 years, has reportedly agreed to step down by the end of next year, in what would be Congo's first peaceful transfer of power since independence in 1960.

The tentative deal, announced by mediators late Friday, would prohibit President Joseph Kabila from changing the constitution to extend his mandate and run for a third term, Marcel Utembi, president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference in the Democratic Republic of Congo, told reporters.

The possible agreement comes after weeks of tense talks among the political parties. But it remains unclear if elections can be organized by the end of next year.

"The government is asked to take all steps so that the elections are organized by the end of 2017 at the latest," said Utembi.

The deal, which is expected to be formally signed on Saturday, prohibits Kabila from changing the constitution to allow him to hold power for a third term.

Kabila's last term expired on December 19. However, authorities have effectively extended it until 2018, claiming they needed the extra time to organize a new election.

DW