Congo's main opposition leader dies

Congo's prominent democracy advocate Eitenne Tshisekedi has died.

Congo's main opposition leader, Etienne Tshisekedi, has died in Brussels aged 84. (AAP)

Congo's main opposition leader, Etienne Tshisekedi, one of the country's most important advocates of democracy, has died in Brussels aged 84, diplomatic sources says.

Tshisekedi stood up to dictator Mobutu Sese Seko, who for decades ruled the country, then known as Zaire, before being overthrown by Rwanda, Uganda and other forces.

He was also the most prominent civilian opponent of Laurent Kabila, who took power in 1997, and his son, President Joseph Kabila, who has ruled since 2001.