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Police block inauguration in D.R. Congo

KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of Congo, Dec. 23 (UPI) -- Military forces in the Democratic Republic of Congo have blocked the entrance to a stadium where an opposition leader plans to inaugurate himself as president.

Etienne Tshisekedi has refused to accept the official victory of incumbent President Joseph Kabila in the country's November presidential election, the BBC reported.

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Police reportedly used flash-bang grenades to disperse crowds attempting to enter the Martyrs Stadium in Kinshasa Friday.

However, a spokesman for Tshisekedi told the BBC he still intended to hold the inauguration.

Kabila was sworn in for a second term Tuesday after being declared the official winner with 49 percent of the vote.

The U.S.-based Human Rights Watch reported at least 24 people have been killed since the disputed poll.

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