Kabila handed the presidency to Tshisekedi after elections in December 2018, in the first peaceful transfer of power since independence from Belgium nearly 60 years earlier. In a zoo open to the public, Kabila takes selfies with visitors he sometimes bumps into on Sundays. Low-key by nature, Kabila has made no political utterances and has avoided public appearances, even when meeting with Tshisekedi to try to ease the tensions in their uneasy cohabitation. But he remains the driving force in his Common Front for Congo (FCC) political group -- a veritable war machine that he set up before leaving office. Kabila supporters see their role as containing Tshisekedi's influence in the name of "a balance of power".

Source: Daily Nation July 25, 2020 06:33 UTC