Democratic Republic of Congo rebels threaten coup
- 12 years ago
RPGs strapped to their chests, rebel soldiers sing.
They are calling on Democratic Republic of Congo President Joseph Kabila to step down or face a coup by September.
Known as Mai Mai, they are soldiers who defected in support of renegade general, Bosco Ntaganda.
Kabila's plan to arrest Ntaganda has sparked renewed fighting in the north.
The general is also wanted by the International Criminal Court on charges of recruiting child soldiers, murder and rape.
Rebel commander, Colonel Albert Kahasha, says the president is incapable of running the country.
(SOUNDBITE) (Swahili) MAI MAI REBEL COMMANDER, COLONEL ALBERT KAHASHA, SAYING:
"We are positive that we will oust Kabila before September because this war is not ours, it is for the Congolese people. We want a better military and there is no day you will see us seeking the presidency, we will hand over power to the population immediately once we take over."
One of the world's most violent countries, the Democratic Republic of Congo has seen more than 5 million killed by conflict, hunger and disease since 1998.
Lindsey Parietti, Reuters
They are calling on Democratic Republic of Congo President Joseph Kabila to step down or face a coup by September.
Known as Mai Mai, they are soldiers who defected in support of renegade general, Bosco Ntaganda.
Kabila's plan to arrest Ntaganda has sparked renewed fighting in the north.
The general is also wanted by the International Criminal Court on charges of recruiting child soldiers, murder and rape.
Rebel commander, Colonel Albert Kahasha, says the president is incapable of running the country.
(SOUNDBITE) (Swahili) MAI MAI REBEL COMMANDER, COLONEL ALBERT KAHASHA, SAYING:
"We are positive that we will oust Kabila before September because this war is not ours, it is for the Congolese people. We want a better military and there is no day you will see us seeking the presidency, we will hand over power to the population immediately once we take over."
One of the world's most violent countries, the Democratic Republic of Congo has seen more than 5 million killed by conflict, hunger and disease since 1998.
Lindsey Parietti, Reuters