Pope Francis has appealed to the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo to be artisans of peace following deadly violence that erupted yesterday over President Joseph Kabila's failure to give up power.

Ceoafrica gathered that the pope in his weekly address at the Vatican, said: I renew my heartfelt appeal to all Congolese, so that in this delicate moment of their history, may they be artisans of reconciliation and peace.

May those who are in positions of political responsibility listen to the voice of their conscience, learn to see the cruel sufferings of their fellow citizens and have at heart the common good."

The Catholic Church has been trying to mediate between the main opposition coalition and the government after presidential elections, which were supposed to have been held last month, but postponed till 2018.

At least 20 people were killed in clashes between security forces and protesters yesterday, over Kabila’s insistence on power despite being constitutionally barred from running a third term.