Heavy gunfire is heard around the military barracks of presidential guards in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Congolese security officers position themselves as they secure the street near the state television headquarters (C) in the capital Kinshasa, 30 December 2013

DR Congo has a long history of instability

Residents are being evacuated from the area around Camp Tshatshi, an army spokesman said.

The reason for the shooting is still unclear, he added.

DR Congo has a history of instability, with President Joseph Kabila taking power following the assassination of his father, Laurent, in 2001