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Protesters killed as anti-government demos erupt in DRC

Politicians’ offices torched by angry crowds as pressure grows on President Joseph Kabila to step down.

DRC clashes
Congolese opposition supporters chant slogans during a march to press President Joseph Kabila to step down in the Democratic Republic of Congo's capital Kinshasa. [Kenny Katombe/Reuters]
Published On 20 Sep 2016

At least 17 people have been killed during clashes between police and anti-government protesters in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s capital, Kinshasa.

The protest, attended by thousands of people, came at a time of growing local and foreign pressure on President Joseph Kabila to step down when his term of office ends in December.

The opposition accuses him of plotting to extend his tenure in the central African by delaying elections that were supposed to be held in November until at least next year. His supporters deny that.

Angry crowds torched the offices of politicians loyal to Kabila and tore down giant posters of the president, chanting in French, “It’s over for you” and “We don’t want you”.

Rights groups reported dozens of arrests of protesters and journalists in the capital as well as in Goma and Kisangani, where anti-government marches also took place.

DRC clashes
Protesters chant slogans as they destroy the billboard of President Joseph Kabila. [Kenny Katombe/Reuters]
DRC clashes
The protests were organised by activists opposed to long-serving President Joseph Kabila, who is now expected to stay in office after his mandate ends in December. [John Bompengo/AP]
DRC clashes
Monday's march was triggered by anger over a decision by the election commission last week to petition the constitutional court to postpone the next presidential vote. [John Bompengo/AP]
DRC clashes
Millions of people died in regional wars in the Congo between 1996 and 2003 that drew in armies from half a dozen countries. [John Bompengo/AP]
DRC clashes
Congolese policemen detain opposition activists taking part in a protest march. [Kenny Katombe/Reuters]
DRC clashes
A woman looks at the body of a man killed during election protests in Kinshasa. [John Bompengo/AP]
DRC clashes
The United States on Monday threatened to impose additional sanctions on those responsible for violence and repression - an outcome President Kabila is seeking to avoid. [John Bompengo/AP]
DRC clashes
Riot police remove a slab of concrete used to block a road during the protest in Kinshasa. [John Bompengo/AP]
DRC clashes
Rights groups reported the arrests of dozens of protesters and journalists in the capital as well as in Goma and Kisangani, where anti-government marches also took place. [Reuters]