Expand / Collapse search
Watch TV
Menu

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. ©2024 FOX News Network, LLC. All rights reserved. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Market data provided by Factset. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Legal Statement. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper.

Africa

Congo opposition: Peacefully resist Kabila's 'coup d'etat'

Associated Press
Published | Updated
  • 752efdb5-
    Image 1 of 3

    People walk past a police truck in Kinshasa, Congo, Monday, Dec. 19, 2016. Military and police units are deployed across the capital of Congo amid fears of unrest on the last official day of President Joseph Kabila's mandate. Kabila intends to stay on after the midnight deadline, as a court has ruled he can stay in power until new elections are held.  (AP Photo/John Bompengo) (The Associated Press)

  • CONGO-POLITICS
    Image 2 of 3

    Map locates Kinshasa, Congo; 1c x 1 1/2 inches; 46.5 mm x 38 mm; (The Associated Press)

  • c4846289-
    Image 3 of 3

    Congolese police patrol in Kinshasa, Congo, Monday, Dec. 19, 2016. Military and police units are deployed across the capital of Congo amid fears of unrest on the last official day of President Joseph Kabila's mandate. Kabila intends to stay on after the midnight deadline, as a court has ruled he can stay in power until new elections are held.  (AP Photo/John Bompengo) (The Associated Press)

DAKAR, Senegal – The leader of Congo's largest opposition party is urging citizens to peacefully resist the "coup d'etat" he says President Joseph Kabila has carried out by not stepping down when his mandate expired at midnight.

Etienne Tshisekedi's statement posted online Tuesday adds to tensions in the vast central African nation over an election that has been indefinitely delayed. Military and police have deployed across Congo's capital.

A court has said Kabila can remain in power until a new election. The ruling party says there is "no possibility" of one in 2017. The opposition wants it as soon as possible.

Tshisekedi is calling on people inside and outside Congo to no longer recognize Kabila's authority and calls his actions "treason."

The president late Monday announced new cabinet positions instead of leaving office.