KINSHASA, Congo — Congo’s top archbishop on Saturday urged peace on the eve of the country’s long-delayed presidential election , saying differences of opinion are no reason to “light the country on fire.” Hours later, the leading candidates failed to agree on a guarantee for a peaceful vote. “Unfortunately, some of our compatriots give the impression they want to hold the country hostage to violence,” the archbishop told the congregation. Protests followed Wednesday’s announcement, and Congo’s health ministry and the World Health Organization said crucial virus containment work was suspended. Later on Saturday, however, the three leading candidates and the electoral commission could not agree on the terms of a guarantee for a peaceful vote. Neither the electoral commission nor Shadary signed a guarantee with those conditions.

Source: National Post December 29, 2018 13:07 UTC