DR Congo police arrest anti-government protesters

Police in the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kinshasa, have arrested several people while breaking up a demonstration against the proposed appointment of a new head of the country's electoral commission.

Civil society groups and supporters of President Felix Tshisekedi's political party marched through the capital after MPs - most of whom are loyal to the former President Joseph Kabila - approved Ronsard Malonda.

Catholic and Protestant bishops have also rejected Mr Malonda's nomination.

He has for years been a senior member of the electoral commission which is widely seen as tainted, having organised chaotic and questionable polls.

The dispute is the latest sign of tension between President Tshisekedi and Mr Kabila who still has considerable political power.

One activist has tweeted a short video of the demonstration:

#RDC: La mobilisation sociale ne fait que commencer. La semaine prochaine est très décisive et déterminante. Nous y reviendrons avec force et plus d’énergies. Joignez-vous à la dynamique qui veut une @cenirdc indépendante et non assujettie au @FCC_RDC. pic.twitter.com/sVqcj3TLC1

— Bienvenu Matumo (@matumo_b) July 4, 2020