Sawyer says HRW also received credible reports that protesters have killed at least six police officers and a supporter of Kabila’s party, and have also burned and looted several shops and police stations.
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Interior Minister Evariste Boshab confirmed that three police officers were among the 17 reported to have been killed during the protests, including one who was burned alive.
The government banned demonstrations against President Joseph Kabila following the deadly clashes.
Congolese police on Monday clashed with protesters marching against what they claim is a bid by President Joseph Kabila to extend his mandate, killing at least 17 people and prompting a threat of further sanctions from the US.
People stand near burning debris during election protests in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Monday, Sept. 19, 2016.
In another 2015 attack on opposition members, government officials hired men to beat protesters with clubs, according to the Human Rights Watch report.
Government spokesman Lambert Mende told AFP that “two policemen were killed” in violence against the governing party office in the Limete area.
“The violence that has taken place in the Democratic Republic of Congo is unacceptable and intolerable”.
Many of Congo’s citizens and opposition leaders, including a group represented by Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, aren’t so sure that Kabila will give up the presidency without a fight.
The protests came after Congo’s largest opposition parties rejected a proposal that Kabila remain in power until elections are held.
The United States on Monday threatened to impose additional sanctions on those responsible for violence and repression – an outcome Kabila is seeking to avoid. However, the electoral commission said the election has to be postponed until a voter registrar is completed, which the opposition rejects.
Fire was still raging at the building where a tearful woman in her 40s said that her husband had been there when unidentified assailants attacked the building.
Kabila took power in 2001 when his father was assassinated, but must by law step down in December. Opponents fear he is planning to extend his rule unconstitutionally.
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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. Close to 200 people are believed to have been arrested.
