In DR Congo, at least 44 people, including 37 demonstrators and six police officers, have been killed in protests over Congolese President Joseph Kabila's perceived bid to extend his rule, Human Rights Watch said. The unrest in the Democratic Republic of Congo started on Monday after its election commission decided to try to postpone the next presidential vote, due in November. Kabila's opponents say the proposed delay is a maneuver to keep him in power although ruling party politicians deny this. <br/><br/>The United States said Kabila's government should have taken steps to defuse the violence and that it was prepared to impose sanctions targeting individuals involved in abuses. French President Francoise Hollande blamed Congo authorities and urged them to respect the constitution and hold elections this year.