The African Union (AU) has postponed a high-level visit by a delegation to the Democratic Republic of Congo for talks about the crisis sparked by recent general elections.

This came after the Constitutional Court in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Sunday confirmed the win of Felix Tshisekedi.

Runner-up Martin Fayulu, who had raised claims of fraud in the December 30 elections, immediately rejected the court decision, declared himself the country’s "only legitimate president” and called for peaceful protests.

The AU delegation talks about the contested elections were due on Monday.

The African Union Commission weighed in, saying that it had taken note of the Court’s decision proclaiming the final results of the presidential, national, provincial and legislative elections.

"The Commission calls on all concerned to work for the preservation of peace and stability and the promotion of national harmony in their country,” the AU said in a statement

The statement added that: "The Commission reiterates the continued availability of the African Union to accompany the Democratic Republic of the Congo in this critical phase of its history, as well as its solidarity with the Congolese people.”

The African Union had last week called for the suspension of the announcement of the final results following a high level consultative meeting on the situation in the DR Congo, which was held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

"The February 2019 Summit of the Union will receive a report on the efforts made, in solidarity with, and support to, the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo,” the statement said.

The country’s electoral commission, Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), declared Felix Tshisekedi as the winner.

Fayulu accused Tshisekedi of striking a deal with incumbent President Joseph Kabila to declare him as the victor. Tshisekedi and Kabila have both denied these accusations.

editorial@newtimes.