insurgent

Kabila, 53, has not commented on the accusations but has in the past denied any connection with the insurgents.

"Unions don't typically support insurgent or long-shot candidates. They're risk-averse, and there is considerable risk in not supporting a powerful, vindictive politician who might try to harm your members if he wins."

After decades of military rule and brutal repression, ethnic groups, along with a new army of young insurgents, brought the dictatorship to crisis point.

The revised figure makes it the deadliest known attack since insurgents began operating in northern Benin at the beginning of the decade.

Despite promises by Capt Traoré's military government to improve security and even seeking new security partnerships with Russia, the situation remains dire with frequent attacks from insurgents.