DR Congo announces probe into opposition use of US mercenaries

[Little Tich]

Source: Daily Mail

DR Congo's justice minister said on Wednesday he had ordered a probe into the alleged use of foreign mercenaries by opposition politician Moise Katumbi, who later announced his candidacy for president.

Katumbi hit back at the mercenary allegations describing as a "grotesque lie" claims his camp were recruiting mercenaries specialised in "training and the use of weapons, as security guards or bodyguards".

"It's a disgrace, a grotesque lie... they are simply looking to harm me.... Never will I, Moise Katumbi, take up arms for power," he told AFP, adding that his "struggle is democratic and peaceful out of respect for the constitution".

Justice minister Alexis Thambwe Mwamba earlier told journalists he had given orders to the general prosecutor to open a judicial case in the southeastern former province of Katanga.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/afp/article-3573441/DR-Congo-announces-probe-opposition-use-US-mercenaries.html

[stillblue]

1. Pure bullhockey

This "probe" is in response to a variety of politicians from both sides of the aisle in the US calling for President Kabila to declare that he will not extend his mandate beyond the constitutionally mandated Dec 31st and to hold elections as required in November. The authorities somehow believe this is an appropriate response, to harass all Americans coming to or already in the DRC including aid workers, investors and missionaries. I personally love the US state department's response to the "300 American mercenaries" have been detained. State demanded to meet with them as required by law otherwise they'd have to conclude that they're being illegally detained or executed and an investigation of crimes against humanity will be initiated. Guess who blinked.

If Kabila does not declare that he is stepping down more and more unrest will occur leading up to the date that he has to leave. If that date arrives without a regime change then civil war is likely. Again.