Police in DRC fire at protesters

By Godfrey Olukya

ARU, Democratic Republic of Congo (AA) - Security forces on Thursday fired shots in the air and used teargas to disperse thousands of protesters in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The protesters had gathered in Beni, capital of the North Kivu province, to demonstrate against the postponement of elections.

The election commission announced Wednesday that due to an Ebola outbreak elections in Beni and surrounding areas will not take place next Sunday.

Lieutenant Simon Mosala, a security officer in Beni, said thousands of people waving the country's flags and placards entered the election commission offices leading to police action.

He added that the protesters blocked roads and burned tires.

He said that over a dozen protesters were wounded while over 30 have been arrested.

General elections are due in the country on Dec. 30. The elections have been delayed several times by President Joseph Kabila who says voters have not yet been registered.