Congo opposition leader Bemba to return next week for presidential bid

Congolese opposition leader and former warlord Jean-Pierre Bemba, whose war crimes convictions were quashed in May, will return to the country next week to submit his candidacy for president. 

His homecoming after serving a decade in prison at The Hague could dramatically shake up Congolese politics ahead of December’s long-delayed election, which is meant to choose a successor to Joseph Kabila.

Mr. Kabila, who has governed since 2001, has refused to step down despite his two-term mandate expiring in 2016. Allies in his ruling coalition have in recent weeks advanced a legal argument which they say would justify his candidacy.

Mr. Bemba was runner-up to Kabila in the 2006 election and commands a large and loyal following in Western Congo.

SOURCE: REUTERS
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