BUILDING BRIDGES

EAC/DRC: Can Bemba fix security and bridge trust within the Great Lakes region?

By Edward Nyembo

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Posted on April 3, 2023 13:27

© File photo of DRCongolese opposition leader Jean-Pierre Bemba, who has been newly appointed as security minister. (Photo: REUTERS/Kenny Katombe) — File photo of DRCongolese opposition leader Jean-Pierre Bemba, who has been newly appointed as security minister. (Photo: REUTERS/Kenny Katombe)

DRC President Felix Tshisekedi announced a cabinet reshuffle a fortnight ago, appointing Jean-Pierre Bemba as security minister whose principal target will be pacifying the eastern part of the country before the December presidential election.

As a rebel leader of Movement for the Liberation of Congo (MLC), which had Uganda’s direct support from 1998-2002, Bemba is well known in the region, especially in Kampala. He is a person who can easily play the shuttle diplomacy role during the ongoing climate of suspicion.

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