DR Congo: Ex-militia leader Jean-Pierre Bemba becomes minister
The president of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Felix Tshisekedi, has appointed Jean-Pierre Bemba, a former militia leader once convicted of war crimes as his new defence minister. Mr Bemba was cleared on appeal by the International Criminal Court in 2018.
His appointment is part of a wider reshuffle which comes ahead of the elections later this year. Jason Sterns - the Director of the Congo Research Group - told Newsday what Mr Bemba's appointment says about political situation in DR Congo.
"Jean-Pierre Bemba was one of the main warlords... this now brings him back to government... A coalition of many suspicious characters. What the Democratic Republic of Congo desperately needs is a new generation of leaders."
(Pic: Jean-Pierre Bemba; Credit: Getty Images)
Duration:
This clip is from
More clips from Newsday
-
![]()
Liam Payne: Fans mourn death of One Direction singer
Duration: 03:35
-
![]()
Sudan's footballers provide 'joy amongst the chaos'
Duration: 04:00
-
![]()
Hurricane Milton: The residents deciding to stay, or evacuate
Duration: 02:59
