The United Nations (UN) Security Council has accepted a deal to end the political crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo and has called for its rapid implementation.

In a statement, it urged all political parties that have not signed the agreement to do so swiftly.

According to Ceoafrica, President Joseph Kabila's mandate expired in December 2016, but he refused to step down which caused violence in the country.

The agreement, which was mediated by the Roman Catholic Church, and signed by representatives of President Kabila and his long standing rival, Etienne Tshisekedi, draws up a timetable for Kabila to leave power after new elections at the end of 2017.

President Kabila himself is yet to sign it.