Group: Congo remains unstable

KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of Congo, Nov. 24 (UPI) -- Security forces in the Democratic Republic of Congo have killed 500 people and detained about 1,000 more since elections were held two years ago, a group said.

Human Rights Watch said Tuesday that security forces began targeting perceived opponents during the 2006 elections, which brought into power President Joseph Kabila. The group said the violence has continued since the election.

"While everyone focuses on the violence in eastern Congo, government abuses against political opponents attract little attention," said Anneke Van Woudenberg, senior researcher in the Africa Division of Human Rights Watch. "Efforts to build a democratic Congo are being stifled not just by rebellion but also by the Kabila government's repression."

In its 96-page report, "'We Will Crush You': The Restriction of Political Space in the Democratic Republic of Congo," Human Rights Watch said the Congo remains impoverished and in conflict since the election.

"At least 500 perceived opponents of the government were deliberately killed or summarily executed," a statement said.