AU delegation to DRC to depart on Monday

An African Union spokesperson says a high-level delegation is leaving on Monday for Democratic Republic of Congo after the continental body's surprise request to suspend the announcement of final election results.

The AU cited "serious doubts" about the vote and said it would "urgently dispatch" a delegation.

Ebba Kalondo confirmed the delegation's departure date to The Associated Press. It will include heads of state.

DRC's constitutional court is poised to rule as early as Friday on a challenge to the presidential election results. Declared runner-up Martin Fayulu has requested a recount, alleging fraud.

Upholding the official election results could spark violence in a country hoping for its first peaceful, democratic transfer of power since independence in 1960.