Riot police have been patrolling the Congolese capital Kinshasa amid fears that the expected announcement of the result of last week's presidential election could
spark
violence. Tear gas has already been used to disperse supporters of the main opposition politician Etienne Tshisekedi, who's said to be trailing behind the
incumbent
, Joseph Kabila, in preliminary results. Thomas Hubert reports from Kinshasa.
A senior official for the campaign of Etienne Tshisekedi rejected any result that would confirm President Kabila's re-election. He also said that the opposition would no longer recognise Mr Kabila as president after his constitutional term ends at midnight Tuesday night. Throughout the day, riot police were patrolling the streets of the capital, where many shops remained closed. Witnesses also reported heavy police and military deployments as well as
curfews
in several cities across the country.
World News from the BBC
US officials say the ambassador to Syria is returning to Damascus six weeks after he was recalled because of fears for his safety. The State Department said the ambassador Robert Ford would resume his post today. He was withdrawn from Syria in October after being
pelted
with eggs and tomatoes by government supporters when visiting an opposition figure. Mr Ford had denounced the violent suppression of anti- government protests.
Thousands of people in Colombia are taking part in a protest against the country's largest left-wing guerrilla group, the Farc. Demonstrators in the country's main cities are demanding the rebels free the hostages they hold, many of whom have been in captivity for over a decade. The marches were called in protest at the killing 10 days ago of four hostages.