The visitor is seeking his hosts approval for extending his term limit – possibly until 2034.

US President Donal Trump is not concerned that his Egyptian counterpart Abdelfatah El Sisi, who took power in a 2013 coup,  is proving to be more oppressive that Hosni Mubarak who was unseated in the Arab Spring.

Trump’s  America first approach seeks to use Egypt’s role a lynchpin of regional security.

He’s looking to build on robust military, economic and counter-terrorism co-operation.

When El Sisi visited the White House previously two years ago, Trump told him he was doing a fantastic job and America is very much behind him.

Nothing’s changed.

The post Trump’s America first approach makes him a supporter of his Egyptian counterpart appeared first on Jean-Jacques Cornish.

He was given  rapturous welcome by thousands at Kinshasa airport.

ends intro

Veteran opposition leader Etienne Tshisekedi has been convalescing in Belgium these past two years.

His return comes amid growing tension in the mineral-rich but unstable central African giant  over fears that President Joseph Kabila will postpone elections due to be held late this year in a bid to extend his rule.

Kabila, who has been in power since his father’s assassination in 2001, is widely believed to want a third term in office despite a constitutional limit of two terms.

Thisekedi, 83, came second to Kabila in the 2011 presidential election, which observers said was tainted by widespread fraud.

The veteran politician emerged as a leading opposition voice in the 1980s when he criticised former dictator Mobutu Sese Seko.

The post Etienne Tshisekedi returns to DRC appeared first on Jean-Jacques Cornish.

Katumbi faces arrest if he returns to Kinshasa on charges, which he strongly denies, of recruiting mercenaries.

ends intro

Moise Katumbi owns the football team Tout Puissant Mazembe .

He’s hoping that  all powerful label might apply to his aspirations to become president of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Elections are due before the end of the year when President Joseph Kabila reaches his constitutional term limit.

It’s by no means certain Kabila will stand down.

This has given rise to violent demonstrations.

The charges laid against Katumbi after he threw his hat in the ring would indicate Kabila is bent on staying around.

The post Katumbi leaves South Africa and lands in London appeared first on Jean-Jacques Cornish.