Congolese Government Condemns Presidential Challenger

The government in the Democratic Republic of Congo has condemned challenger Etienne Tshisekedi's self-declaration that he is president, after incumbent Joseph Kabila was named the winner of last week's election.

Information Minister Lambert Mende says Tshisekedi is acting irresponsibly and violating the constitution by trying to subvert the decision of electoral authorities.

Congo's electoral commission declared Friday that Mr. Kabila defeated Mr. Tshisekedi 49 percent to 32 percent, with other candidates trailing far behind. The announcement sparked angry protests in the country in which four people were killed.

On Saturday, the situation remained tense in several cities in Congo, with sporadic gunfire erupting in the capital, Kinshasa.

Congolese immigrants in other countries staged protests against President Kabila. In London, police arrested 143 people Saturday evening after a group of angry protesters veered from the agreed location and started obstructing traffic and causing damage to shops and property. Protests were also held in Belgium, the former colonial power of the mineral-rich African country, and in Washington.

The United Nations, United States, European Union and African Union have appealed for calm.

Mr. Tshisekedi told VOA he considers the results to be a “provocation.” He said he sees himself as the country's elected president.

Congo's ruling party said President Kabila won the election fairly and that anyone alleging fraud must use the legal system to address their concerns.

Last week's presidential and legislative polls were the second free elections in Congo since it was torn apart by several years of warfare that ended in 2003.

Election observers from the African Union and U.S.-based Carter Center reported widespread irregularities, but urged Congolese parties and politicians to pursue any challenge to the results through the courts. Electoral officials released the results three days later than originally planned, citing logistical problems.

Human Rights Watch said 18 people were killed in violence leading up to the polls.

Yemen Swears In National Unity Govt.

Yemen's national unity government was sworn in in the capital, Sana'a, Saturday as part of a deal for the country's embattled president to step down after nearly a year of anti-government protests that have killed hundreds.

The new 35-member Cabinet is headed by veteran opposition politician Mohammed Basindwa. The ministerial posts are equally divided between President Saleh's party and the opposition with the aim of steering Yemen toward presidential elections scheduled for February. Saleh loyalists will run the ministries of defense, foreign affairs and oil, while the opposition will head the ministries of interior, finance and information.

During the ceremony, Vice President Abd al-Rabuh Mansur Hadi urged the Cabinet to forget their political differences and focus on major issues. The state-run SABA news agency quoted Mr. Hadi as saying the government's first task was to create an “atmosphere” where reconciliation could take place.

The United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon welcomed the swearing in of Yemen's new government. He urged all sides “to work toward the full implementation of an inclusive Yemeni-led transition process, giving all Yemenis a true stake in the country's future.”

Yemen is also home to al-Qaida in the Arabian peninsula and the new government is tasked with ridding Yemen of al-Qaida-linked militants who are attempting to gain a stronghold in the country's south. Military officials said Saturday clashes in the southern Abyan province between government troops and suspected militants killed two soldiers and 11 militants.