US requests DR Congo to hold elections next year

The U.S. has threatened to withdraw its support to DR Congo unless presidential elections are held next year.

The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, who has been on a two-day visit to the Central African state, requested on Friday the host government to hold the elections in 2018 if it wants to continue being supported by the U.S.

She said that holding elections in 2019, as suggested by DRC's National Electoral Commission and government was unfair.

A statement read by Haley after meeting commission and government officials said that the election to replace President Joseph Kabila must take place next year, or U.S and international support will be withdrawn.

"It is possible to hold elections next year provided all parties get involved. USA and the international community will not support anything in 2019," Haley said.

Haley's visit aimed to assess the humanitarian, security and political crisis in the country.

The political situation in DRC has been extremely tense since Kabila, who came to power in 2001, refused to leave office after his term expired on Dec. 19, 2016 and elections were not held.

Earlier this month, the election commission said a poll to replace him could not be held before April 2019.