44 people killed in Congo election protests

Congo: Human rights Watch said at least 44, people have been killed in attacks on the opposition party headquarters and in street clashes between security forces and protesters demonstrating against the delayed presidential election while gunshots could be heard on Tuesday in Kinshasa as tensions rose.

The death includes 37 people killed by security forces and six police officers killed by demonstrators.

Hundreds of people took to the streets of Kinshasa in protest on Monday to oppose the delay of the country's presidential election which they say is an effort by President Joseph Kabila to stay in power beyond the end of his tenure later in December.

But a high court has ruled that president Kabila can remain in office until a new leader is elected.

The country's electoral commission body has filed for a delay in elections that were scheduled for November, on the grounds that voter registration lists will not be ready.


The UN human rights office in Congo acknowledged reports of "excessive use of force" by both security forces and demonstrators.

But both sides have denied responsibility for the violence.

An organizer for Monday's demonstration, Joseph Olengankoy said more than 25 people have been killed.

According to Interior minister Evariste Boshab, 17 people were killed, including at least three police officers.

A UN and opposition party source said at least two people were killed after attacks were carried out on the headquarters of five opposition parties on Monday

Spokesman for the largest opposition party, Bruno Tshibala, said five people were wounded in raids on four party headquarters.

Congo's government spokesman, Lambert Mende, in a statement condemned the burning of opposition party buildings as well as attacks on other buildings by opposition protesters.

Mende called on Congolese to regain their composure and let justice prevail.

President Kabila, who came into power in 2001 after the assassination of his father has yet to declare whether he will run for another term in office, a move the constitution prohibits.