UNITED NATIONS, Jumada II 13, 1437, March 22, 2016, SPA -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon warned Monday of possible election-related violence in Congo, where recent months have also seen a sharp increase in tribal and inter-ethnic conflicts, according to AP. The U.N. chief urged the Security Council and leaders in the region to help U.N. peacekeepers preserve political stability in Congo "by quickly finding a solution to the present deadlock" over the upcoming elections. Congo is scheduled to hold elections in November. The opposition worries that President Joseph Kabila, meant to leave office in December, will postpone the election timeline to stay in power. The European Union and rights groups have expressed concern over reports of intimidation against political opponents, civil society and media. U.S. Ambassador Samantha Power told the council that civil society in Congo is threatened and "democratic processes are being deliberately undermined." Ban called the upsurge in tribal and inter-ethnic violence "an alarming trend" that requires urgent attention. He also urged sustained efforts to neutralize all armed groups, including by extending state authority into areas reclaimed by government forces. --SPA 03:20 LOCAL TIME 00:20 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/w