The United States has deployed troops to Central Africa amid rising fears of violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo as the country prepares to declare the result of last week’s presidential election.

Donald Trump confirmed he was forward-deploying "appropriate combat equipment" and some 80 soldiers to neighbouring Gabon to be on standby to protect US citizens and diplomatic missions.

The DR Congo voted on November 30 in a long-delayed election to replace President Joseph Kabila who has ruled the vast, conflict-ridden country for almost 18 years.

The contest pitted Mr Kabila's handpicked successor Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary against two opposition candidates: veteran heavyweight Felix Tshisekedi and newcomer Martin Fayulu.