By Lionel HEALING (AFP/File)

Kinshasa (AFP) - Gunfire was heard in DR Congo's two largest cities as the opposition leader called on citizens to reject President Joseph Kabila whose mandate expired Tuesday with no sign he was ready to leave. Image caption DR Congo's capital has been a flashpoint of violence

Image copyright Reuters Image caption Protesters say Mr Kabila is ruling the country illegally

Gunfire was also heard in the second city, Lubumbashi, but it was unclear who was behind the shooting. The 45-year-old leader, who has ruled since 2001, is constitutionally barred from seeking a third term but under a controversial recent constitutional court order, he may stay on until a successor is chosen. State television overnight announced the formation of a new government in line with an October deal between the ruling party and tiny fringe opposition groups to leave Kabila in office pending elections in April 2018. In a YouTube video released during the night, Tshisekedi launched "a solemn appeal to the Congolese people to no longer recognise the authority of Mr. Joseph Kabila, to the international community to no longer deal with Joseph Kabila in the name of the Democratic Republic of Congo". Social networks have been cut or filtered since midnight Sunday on government orders and police at the weekend banned gatherings of more than 10 people. “It’s been 16 years and nothing has changed,” he said, referring to the time Mr Kabila has been in power since his father was assassinated in 2001.
Clashes between security forces and anti-government protesters demanding the resignation of President Joseph Kabila reportedly leave more than 20 people dead in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.