The Democratic Republic of Congo’s opposition on Monday walked out of talks aimed at breaking a dangerous political impasse concerning the country’s elections.
Most major opposition parties were already boycotting the talks, which they say is giving President Joseph Kabila a chance to justify his plot to stay in power longer than his constitutionally allowed mandate.
Kabila’s term ends in December, but will stay longer in power if elections are not held in time.
Some opposition leaders agreed to the talks on the election date which was due to take place in November but authorities say cannot be held before July 2017, citing the need to register millions of voters.
“We have suspended our participation … because the positions were diametrically opposed,” opposition representative Samy Badibanga said according to Reuters, but he added that the delegation could return if Kabila’s side makes concessions.
The government delegation’s spokesman, Leonard She Okitundu, called the walkout “just a negotiating tactic” and was confident the opposition would return.
