Jean-Pierre Bemba ‘cannot run for DRC president’

Congolese opponent Jean-Pierre Bemba (C), speaks to the press after applying to be a candidate for next presidential elections of December 23 Image copyright AFP

Former warlord Jean-Pierre Bemba can’t run to be the next president of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the country’s electoral commission mentioned.

Mr Bemba used to be considered one of six might-be applicants deemed ineligible following hours of deliberation.

The ex-rise up leader had a warfare crimes conviction overturned in June.

However, the fee said Mr Bemba used to be excluded on account of his conviction by way of the Global Criminal Courtroom (ICC) for bribing witnesses.

Mr Bemba, who again to the DR Congo at the get started of August after 11 years spent in exile or jail, is currently appealing towards the ICC conviction.

Symbol copyright Getty Photographs A well-connected businessman and the son of outstanding Congolese businessman Bemba Saolona 1998: Helped by means of Uganda to shape MLC revolt staff in Democratic Republic of Congo 2003: Turns Into vice-president beneath peace deal 2006: Loses run-off election to President Joseph Kabila but will get so much votes in western DR Congo, together with Kinshasa 2007: Flees to Belgium after clashes in Kinshasa 2008: Arrested in Brussels and passed over to ICC 2010: Trial starts 2016: Discovered guilty of struggle crimes and crimes in opposition to humanity 2018: Conviction overturned on appeal

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