President (major-general)of the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire). He replaced his father, Laurent Kabila, Jan. 2001, at the tender age of 31 many Congolese fear he is too young and inexperienced to be and effective leader. After all he has spent most of his life living outside of the country, he barely speaks the predominant languages of the people he will lead - French and Lingala. His ability to lead is a critical issue since the Congo faces many changes including continuing invasions by the Himas from the Republic of Rwanda.

Rwanda and Uganda, however, might find the 'Young Kabila' a more acceptable negotiating partner than his father. He has opted for a policy of open-ness telling the UN that his government wants the UN Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo to continue its work there.



Sources:
allafrica.com/stories/200101230362.html
www.africaonline.com/news/010119cs.html
www.reliefweb.int/IRIN/cea/countrystories/drc/20010123a.phtml

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