The United States on Tuesday threatened to impose further targeted unilateral sanctions on anyone who hinders Democratic Republic of Congo's already delayed preparations for an election to replace President Joseph Kabila. Further delays could trigger additional unrest following anti-government street protests last year in which security forces killed dozens of demonstrators. The United States imposed sanctions on several Congolese officials last year - blocking any financial assets in the United States and generally barring Americans from engaging in financial transactions with them - for hindering democracy. "The Security Council should also consider targeted sanctions to reduce the violence in the DRC and help pressure all stakeholders to play a more constructive role in moving the country forward," Sison said. About 80,000 people have fled fighting between the Congolese army and a new rebel coalition, the United Nations said on Tuesday.

Source: The Star July 11, 2017 18:56 UTC