Zambia’s neighbour to the North, the Democratic Republic of Congo is yet again in another serious political turmoil that has gripped the troubled mineral-rich country.17 people reportedly being killed during protests calling for President Joseph Kabila to step down, according to a report by Reuters monitored by Zambian Eye.
Three of them are said to be police officers, one of whom was burnt alive, according to the Interior Minister, Evariste Boshab.
But according to opposition parties, almost 50 people have been killed with one witness saying police fired live ammunition into the crowd killing protesters.
And Protesters set up barricades and torched cars on one of the main roads in Kinshasa, the country’s capital.
The bodies of people who had died were seen lying in the streets after protests ended.
The electoral commission was meant to announce a date for presidential elections, due in November, on Monday, but has said it will not be possible to hold them then.
The opposition says Kabila is trying to delay the elections in order to remain in power beyond his two-term limit, which finishes in December.
Police have made at least 10 arrests, with hundreds of protesters out on the streets, reports suggested.
Most schools and shops are closed in Kinshasa, with those not involved in the protests staying inside to avoid any trouble, our reporter adds.