Congolese Prime Minister Augustin Matata resigned today to make way for an opposition figure to take his place following a controversial deal that effectively extends the president's term in office. <br/><br/>The decision to delay presidential polls until at least late 2017 was part of a deal agreed in October by the government and fringe opposition groups that has been boycotted as a sham by the mainstream opposition. <br/><br/>The deal, which followed a national dialogue, was aimed at calming soaring political tensions.<br/><br/>The opposition has accused President Joseph Kabila, who has been in office since 2001, of manipulating the electoral system to stay in power after his second term ends on December 20. <br/><br/>The country has been in a state of crisis since disputed elections in 2011 returned Mr Kabila to office for a second term. A 2006 constitutional provision limits the presidency to two terms. <br/><br/>According to the UN, violent anti-Kabila protests on September 19 and 20 triggered by the political instability claimed 53 lives.