The largest rebel group in the Democratic Republic of Congo accused President Joseph Kabila on Monday of trying to derail a peace plan by delaying the launch of an all-party transitional government. At a news conference ahead of talks on the new government in South Africa this week, the Rally for Congolese Democracy (RCD) accused Kabila of raising the stakes by reinforcing his positions around Beni, northeastern Congo. “This is serious confrontational behaviour by Kabila, which flies in the face of the spirit of the peace process,” said Thomas Nziratimana, chief RCD representative in southern Africa. He said Kabila planned to send troops to back rebel Mai-Mai fighters known to oppose the RCD’s influence in the area. Kabila’s government denies delaying implementation of the peace process and says it is keen for a complete end to hostilities. Uganda and Rwanda invaded Congo in 1998 to back rebels fighting the government. The war in Congo sucked in other foreign armies including those of Angola, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Most foreign troops have since withdrawn, but Uganda has a presence of some 2,000 soldiers due to withdraw by March 20. The Kinshasa government, armed groups and opposition politicians will resume talks in South Africa on Thursday on a transitional constitution and an all-party government — initially due to have been installed by end of January. Full Story
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