New DRC President Announces Political Prisoners Will Be Freed

The new president of the DRC, Felix Tshisekedi has announced he wants to free all political prisoners within the next 10 days.

During a speech he said he would ask the justice minister to release all those held in jail due to their political beliefs.

Mr Tshisekedi made the announcement as he unveiled his "emergency programme for the first 100 days".

"To cement the democratic advances achieved in our country, I have made reducing tensions a major goal," he said.

"I will order the justice minister to take all necessary measures within the law towards a conditional release of all individuals detained for opinion offences - notably during the protests held before the elections."

His speech also raised the possibility of political exiles being allowed to return home to the DR Congo.