THURSDAY, 3.00PM
LAURENT KABILA, self-proclaimed president of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaire), was due to be officially inaugurated as head of state on Thursday.
In terms of a 15-point constitutional decree signed by Kabila on Wednesday, he will assume full executive, legislative and military powers until a new constitution is adopted.
None of the SA government leaders involved in mediation efforts between Kabila’s rebels and ousted dictator Mobutu Sese Seko will attend the ceremony. Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni interrupted his first state visit to SA on Thursday to attend Kabila’s inauguration. He is expected to return to SA later on Thursday.