President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Joseph Kabila gave a state address before the National Assembly, in Kinshasa, Congo, July 19, 2018 .
President of the Democratic Republic of Congo Joseph Kabila said the presidential election will be held on December 23 next. But Kabila does not explain his political plans in the future.
in a nationally televised speech on Thursday (19/7), Kabila said he "strongly respects the constitution."
But opposition groups say they fear Kabila may seek to retain power.
the two-time limit of Kabila's term as the elected leader has ended in 2016. But elections to elect new leaders have been delayed twice due to violence, armed militias and election issues.
the country's constitution allowed Kabila to remain in office until his replacement was elected. But opposition groups, along with America and other countries, have shown disappointment over the delay.
Kabila on Thursday said Congo "is unwilling to accept a lesson in democracy."
Kabila has headed the Democratic Republic of Congo since his father, Laurent Kabila, was murdered in 2001.
