The protestors were demanding the resignation of President Joseph Kabila who has ruled the country since 2001.
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A high court has determined Kabila can stay in office until a new leader is elected.
The protests erupted after the election commission chose to try to postpone the next presidential vote, due in November.
Flames tore through all three headquarters, located in the capital Kinshasa, throughout the early morning on Tuesday.
We are also deeply alarmed by reports of violence that occurred alongside civic protests today in Kinshasa, and which reportedly has already resulted in the deaths of protestors and police.
Human Rights Watch is reporting that 37 people were killed by security forces.
Sawyer said at least 20 people died on Monday and 17 were killed overnight on Tuesday.
Spokesman for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Rupert Colville told a news briefing in Geneva on Tuesday that the global body was “deeply worried” by the latest round of violence.
The United States believes that any individuals who are responsible for perpetrating violence or repression should be held accountable, and remains ready to impose additional targeted sanctions.
Independent journalist Suzanne Poupette told newsmen that she saw four people killed by police in Kinshasa.
Among the dead were 14 civilians and three police officers, Interior Minister Evariste Boshab told a press conference in Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, describing the clashes as an attempted “uprising”.
“Kabila, we don’t want you anymore”, cried one demonstrator, Patrick Lelu.
Government spokesman Lambert Mende called the demonstrations a pre-meditated criminal act.
Meanwhile President Joseph Kabila’s second term in office will end on December 19.
Two law and lobby firms in Washington find themselves in the middle of political unrest unfolding in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Millions of people died in regional wars in Congo between 1996 and 2003 that drew in armies from half a dozen countries.
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Appeals for calm and restraint have been launched by the United Nations, Belgium, the U.S., France and the European Union, which also have called for a rapid organization of presidential elections. “The DRC authorities must take immediate steps to halt this escalating tension, and all parties must refrain from violence”. Photos show police came out with water cannons and tear gas, and protesters armed themselves with rocks and blocked roads with burning tires.
