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Vol 48 No 1

Published 12th January 2007


On the brink

Congo-Kinshasa tries to consolidate after elections as Chad and Central African Republic face down Sudan-sponsored rebels

The big question for Congo-Kinshasa and the region this year is whether President Joseph Kabila can consolidate power after last year’s elections. Kabila started the year by appointing 81 year-old Antoine Gizenga, leader of the Parti Lumumbiste Unifié (Palu), as Prime Minister. The year starts with two positive signs. Congo’s formerly belligerent neighbour Rwanda is hosting peace talks between Kinshasa officials and rebel leader General Laurent Nkunda. The presidential runner-up, Jean-Pierre Bemba of the Mouvement de Libération du Congo (MLC), has reluctantly accepted defeat and said he will stand as senator for Kinshasa; his support is strong in the capital.

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