Congo in chaos as death toll mounts

Unrest is mounting in the Democratic Republic of the Congo after President Joseph Kabila refused to leave office.

Human rights groups and the UN claim at least 26 people have been killed in the capital Kinshasa and the south-east of country over the last three days as protesters clash with security forces.

Kabila's second term expired at midnight on Monday and while he has said he will respect a constitution that bars him from standing for a third term, many fear he intends to remain in power indefinitely.

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In a strongly worded statement, the US government said DRC officials had an "obligation to… respect the rights of Congolese citizens to assemble peacefully and express their opinions without fear of retaliation, retribution, or arbitrary arrest".

It added that it was "unfortunate" security forces had "responded to this expression of democratic sentiment with teargas, arrests, and warning shots", warning: "We remain ready to impose additional sanctions."

The US and European powers had already imposed travel bans and asset freezes on individuals close to Kabila because of his poor human rights record. Belgium, the former colonial power, and France have both said they will "reexamine" their relationship with the DRC government.

However, despite condemnation from the international community, "the sporadic nature of the protests – and the apparent success of heavy-handed police tactics – is likely to be seen as a victory for the government and will not encourage any concessions", says The Guardian.

Kabila's supporters say logistical and financial issues mean a fresh election cannot take place until 2018 and the president has a duty to remain in power until then.

The "main opposition leader has called for peaceful resistance to defy Kabila and force him to go," says NPR. Etienne Tshisekedi made the appeal in a video message posted on YouTube.