Violence Erupts in DR Congo over Poll Delays

Kinshasa, Jun 30 (Prensa Latina) Riot police shot in the air and lobbed teargas at thousands of protesters who marched through Democratic Republic of Congo´s capital on Thursday, demanding the government´s resignation over delayed elections.

A local television station aired footage of an injured marcher claiming to have been hit by a bullet. Some demonstrators said people had been killed, but there was no immediate confirmation. Police raided the station after the broadcast.

Elections should have taken place by the end of June under the terms of the 2002 peace agreement, which ended a civil war which caused millions of deaths.

But logistical and voter registration problems, continued clashes in the east and government in-fighting, has led to their postponement till next year.

In his national address marking the 45th anniversary of Congolese independence from Belgium, President Joseph Kabila said it was time for change.

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