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DR Congo election: 17 dead in anti-Kabila protests | |
(about 3 hours later) | |
At least 17 people have died in the Democratic Republic of Congo during protests calling for President Joseph Kabila to step down. | |
Three of them were police officers, one of whom was burnt alive, according to the Interior Minister, Evariste Boshab. | |
Protesters set up barricades and torched cars on one of the main roads in Kinshasa, the country's capital. | |
Police fired tear gas to disperse the demonstrators. One witness said police fired live ammunition into the crowd. | |
The electoral commission was meant to announce a date for presidential elections, due in November, on Monday, but has said it will not be possible to hold them then. | |
The opposition says Mr Kabila is trying to delay the elections in order to remain in power beyond his two-term limit, which finishes in December. | |
Police have made at least 10 arrests, with hundreds of protesters out on the streets, reports BBC Afrique's Poly Muzalia from the capital. | Police have made at least 10 arrests, with hundreds of protesters out on the streets, reports BBC Afrique's Poly Muzalia from the capital. |
Most schools and shops are closed in Kinshasa, with those not involved in the protests staying inside to avoid any trouble, our reporter adds. | Most schools and shops are closed in Kinshasa, with those not involved in the protests staying inside to avoid any trouble, our reporter adds. |
A government-backed effort to work out a solution to the political crisis, called a "national dialogue", has been boycotted by most opposition parties. | A government-backed effort to work out a solution to the political crisis, called a "national dialogue", has been boycotted by most opposition parties. |
Mr Kabila's second term, the maximum allowed under the country's constitution, is due to expire on 20 December. | Mr Kabila's second term, the maximum allowed under the country's constitution, is due to expire on 20 December. |
Last year at least 12 people died in similar protests. | |
DR Congo has never had a smooth transfer of power since independence more than 55 years ago. | DR Congo has never had a smooth transfer of power since independence more than 55 years ago. |