The governing party in the Democratic Republic of Congo has named Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary as its candidate for the presidential election in December.

Mr Shadary, a former vice-president and interior minister in Joseph Kabila's government, has been targeted by European Union sanctions and accused of a ruthless crackdown on activists.

Mr Kabila's mandate expired two years ago and although he is constitutionally barred from standing for a further term, there had been widespread speculation he would seek to extend his years in office.

Mr Shadary will face at least eight other contenders, including the former vice-president and ex-warlord, Jean Pierre Bemba, who returned to DR Congo last week after being acquitted of war crimes at the International Criminal Court.