Gun battle breaks out in Kinshasa

Mr Bemba does not want to accept police guards

There is heavy shooting in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, between guards of a former presidential candidate and the army.Troops loyal to Jean-Pierre Bemba have refused to abide by an ultimatum to disband and join the national army.

They say Mr Bemba’s protection is not guaranteed if they disarm.

The BBC’s Arnaud Zajtman in Kinshasa says the guards have taken over streets near Mr Bemba’s residence and the army has sent reinforcements.

Our correspondent says the men are half naked, wearing red head scarves and carrying bows, arrows and rifles.

Mr Bemba, a former rebel leader, was defeated by Joseph Kabila in landmark presidential elections in October last year.

Last year, the UN mission in DR Congo (Monuc) estimated that Mr Bemba’s armed guard comprised some 200 men.