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DR Congo rebel chief seeks refuge DR Congo rebel chief seeks refuge
(31 minutes later)
Former DR Congo rebel leader Jean-Pierre Bemba has taken refuge in the South African embassy in Kinshasa after fighting erupted in the capital.Former DR Congo rebel leader Jean-Pierre Bemba has taken refuge in the South African embassy in Kinshasa after fighting erupted in the capital.
At least 10 people have died during street clashes between the army and militiamen loyal to Mr Bemba - who lost a presidential election last October.At least 10 people have died during street clashes between the army and militiamen loyal to Mr Bemba - who lost a presidential election last October.
He has rejected government calls for his private security force to disarm.He has rejected government calls for his private security force to disarm.
The UN Security Council has expressed "serious concern" over the fighting and has called for an immediate ceasefire.The UN Security Council has expressed "serious concern" over the fighting and has called for an immediate ceasefire.
"Bemba has taken refuge in the South African embassy as a temporary measure," South African foreign ministry spokesman Ronnie Mamoepa said."Bemba has taken refuge in the South African embassy as a temporary measure," South African foreign ministry spokesman Ronnie Mamoepa said.
Mr Bemba's personal armed guard are believed to number 200 menThe BBC's Arnaud Zajtman in Kinshasa says it is not clear who started the shooting on Thursday morning. 'Talks deadlock'
Gunfire continued throughout the day and, by late evening, Mr Bemba's guards controlled some streets of the city's business district. As night fell over the Congolese capital, the BBC's Arnaud Zajtman in Kinshasa said thousands of civilians were still caught in the middle of the fighting.
Those reported to have been killed include seven soldiers and three civilians. Mr Bemba's personal armed guard are believed to number 200 menMr Bemba's militiamen have reportedly taken control in part of the city's business district. However, the cars of government soldiers were able to move on the main street of the strategic area.
The explosions could be heard across the Congo River in the neighbouring capital of the Republic of Congo, Brazzaville, and the city's town hall was hit by a rocket. According to eyewitness reports at least seven civilians and three soldiers have been killed but given the intensity of the fighting the final count could be much higher, our correspondent says.
Ceasefire call Earlier, UN peacekeepers evacuated more than 450 civilians from areas affected by the fighting to its Kinshasa headquarters using armoured personnel carriers.
UN peacekeepers have begun evacuating more than 450 civilians from areas affected by the fighting using armoured personnel carriers.
The UN mission said it had evacuated embassy officials, school children and injured civilians to its headquarters in the capital.
Some 15,000 UN troops - the world's largest peacekeeping force - are present in DR Congo.Some 15,000 UN troops - the world's largest peacekeeping force - are present in DR Congo.
On Thursday night, Mr Bemba appealed to his soldiers to return to their positions. On Thursday night, Mr Bemba called for a ceasefire and negotiations with the government.
"I ask the soldiers of the FARDC [Congolese army] not to fire on my soldiers. We must talk like politicians," he said in a message broadcast across the city on UN radio. However, the country's information minister said that since the government was democratically elected last year there was no reason for fresh talks.
However the country's information minister said that after last year's democratic election there was no need for fresh talks.
Disputed electionDisputed election
Mr Bemba's personal armed guard is believed to number some 200 men, according to a 2006 estimate from the UN mission in Congo.Mr Bemba's personal armed guard is believed to number some 200 men, according to a 2006 estimate from the UN mission in Congo.
Mr Bemba, who was a vice-president in the transitional government and is now a senator, is entitled to 15 policemen for his protection.Mr Bemba, who was a vice-president in the transitional government and is now a senator, is entitled to 15 policemen for his protection.
Under an agreement signed ahead of the election, the winner of the presidential poll is committed to guarantee the loser's security.Under an agreement signed ahead of the election, the winner of the presidential poll is committed to guarantee the loser's security.
But Mr Bemba's Movement for the Liberation of Congo (MLC) party says their leader is in danger and wants talks about the terms of these agreements.But Mr Bemba's Movement for the Liberation of Congo (MLC) party says their leader is in danger and wants talks about the terms of these agreements.
Last year's elections were DR Congo's first democratic elections in more than 40 years.Last year's elections were DR Congo's first democratic elections in more than 40 years.
Mr Kabila won 58% of the vote compared to Mr Bemba's 42%. Mr Bemba contested the results, but his challenged was rejected by a court. President Joseph Kabila won 58% of the vote compared to Mr Bemba's 42%. Mr Bemba contested the results, but his challenge was rejected by a court.