By not splitting the opposition vote, veteran MP and businessman Martin Fuyulu has a realistic change against former interior minister Emmanuel Shadary picked to succeed President Joseph Kabila.

The major opposition players were at the Geneva meeting that endorsed  Martin Fuyulu.

These included Jean-Pierre Bemba and Moise Katumbi whose canadidacy was rejected by the electoral commission.

Joseph Kabila, who’s constitutional mandate expired 19 months ago, is not permitted to run. 

It’s not clear whether he intends to extend his 17 years in power behind the scenes.

Fears remain about the possibility of violence at the election on December 23. 

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Gbagbo called on the tribunal to drop the charges and free him.

Laurent Gbagbo’s facing charges for what his supporters did in the civil war sparked by his refusal to accept defeat in the 2010 presidential election in the Ivory Coast.

More than 3 000 people died in that conflict.

His lawyers says there are parallels with the trials of Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta that collapsed four years ago …

… and Jean-Pierre Bemba who was freed on appeal last June.

I.C.C. prosecutor James Stewart rejects saying there’s a compelling case against Gbagbo demanding that the trial should proceed.

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Kabila’s discussions with his SADC peers proceeded the rejection of Jean-Pierre Bemba as a presidential candidate in that poll.

Lindiwe Sisulu told journalists in Pretoria that DRC President Joseph Kabila has left SADC leader with the impression that the situation in his country is under control.

She denied media  reports that Kabila’s rejected former President Thabo Mbeki as South Africa’s special envoy to the DRC.

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation says in fact, government has brought Mbeki in to consult on matter relating to the Great lakes region given his considerable experience in these matters.

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He’s the highest ranking person yet convicted by the international tribunal in the Hague.

ends intro

The judgment was hailed as a landmark decision in the fight against impunity for sex crimes in conflict.

Bemba’s unanimous conviction marks the first time the court has convicted an accused based on his role as a military commander.

It’s also the court’s first judgment recognising rape as a war crime and a crime against humanity.

Bemba showed no emotion as Judge Sylvia Steiner read out the long judgment highlighting the horrific crimes carried out by his militia.

He will be sentenced following a separate hearing. His lawyers can appeal the convictions.

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