Congo political deal possible to end crisis, negotiators say

Published December 23, 2016

Negotiators say they're optimistic that an agreement can be reached to end Congo's political impasse, though any deal must be officially endorsed by all parties at a plenary session Friday.

A working document calls for elections to be held in 2017 instead of 2018, and it would mean President Joseph Kabila could not seek a third term.

The development comes after several days of violent protests that Human Rights Watch says have left at least 34 dead.

Opposition leader Felix Tshisekedi says that while a deal has not been finalized, things are progressing well.

Kabila's mandate expired Monday, though a court has ruled he can stay in office until new elections can be held. The November vote was postponed indefinitely earlier this year, prompting fears he would not leave.

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https://www.foxnews.com/world/congo-political-deal-possible-to-end-crisis-negotiators-say