Police and anti-government protesters clashed in the Democratic Republic of Congo, killing at least 17 people including three policemen, one of whom was reportedly burnt alive. A Reuters witness saw a crowd burning the body of a police officer in Limete, a suburb of the capital Kinshasa, in an apparent act of retaliation against police gunfire.

Democratic Republic of Congo DRC
Anti-Kabila demonstrators gather in front of a burning car in Kinshasa Eduardo Soteras/AFP
Democratic Republic of Congo DRC
Congolese opposition supporters chant slogans during a march to press President Joseph Kabila to step down Kenny Katombe/Reuters
Democratic Republic of Congo DRC
A Congolese opposition activist reacts during a march to press President Joseph Kabila to step down Reuters
Democratic Republic of Congo DRC
A demonstrator holds stones during a protest in Kinshasa Eduardo Soteras/AFP

The protests were organised by activists who are opposed to President Joseph Kabila, who is now expected to stay in office after his mandate ends in December. The electoral commission has said it won't be possible to hold the vote as scheduled in November. The constitution allows Kabila to stay in power until another vote can be organised.

Democratic Republic of Congo DRC
Demonstrators point to a broken billboard showing the face of Congolese President Joseph Kabila Eduardo Soteras/AFP
Democratic Republic of Congo DRC
Congolese opposition supporters chant slogans as they destroy a billboard depicting President Joseph Kabila in Kinshasa Kenny Katombe/Reuters
Democratic Republic of Congo DRC
Congolese police patrol in their truck along an intersection near Echangeur de Limete in Kinshasa Reuters
Democratic Republic of Congo DRC
Police detain an opposition activist participating in a march to press President Joseph Kabila to step down Kenny Katombe/Reuters
Democratic Republic of Congo DRC
Police detain opposition activists participating in a march to press President Joseph Kabila to step down in Kinshasa Kenny Katombe/Reuters

Fears are growing that one of the world's poorest countries will again spin into chaos. Dozens of people died in similar protests against Kabila last year. The vast central African country has never experienced a peaceful transition of power. Millions died in regional wars in Congo between 1996-2003 that drew in armies from half a dozen countries.

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