Post-poll clashes turn deadly in DR Congo

Opposition leader Tshisekedi has proclaimed himself the winner of the presidential elections [AFP]

Clashes between opposition protesters and security forces have broken out in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, killing at least six people, a day after election authorities named Joseph Kabila, the incumbent president, winner of a disputed poll.

Gunfire rang out in a number of cities across the country on Saturday, after Kabila’s main challenger, Etienne
Tshisekedi, said he rejected the official results and declared himself the new leader of the vast central African
state.

Kabila’s administration quickly condemned Tshisekedi’s declaration and described it as “an irresponsible act that violates the laws of the republic”.

Al Jazeera’s Yvonne Ndege reporting from Kinshasa said that Tshisekedi’s move to name himself president was futile.

“There is hardly any room for opposition to expect the result to be overturned at the supreme court where the result will be ratified. This means that the opposition is dependent on their supporters to take to the streets”.

But security forces have barricaded areas considered to be opposition strongholds, where violence seems to be continuing, our correspondent said

Abductions 


 

Meanwhile, the Associated Press news agency reported that police in an unmarked car were seen rounding up young

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