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Rebel-controlled Bukavu radio described Emile Ilunga as a medical doctor from President Laurent-Desire Kabila's home province of Katanga. Ilunga, a supporter of slain nationalist leader Patrice Lumumba, spent about 30 years in exile in Belgium and worked with Kabila to try and overthrow ex-ruler Mobutu Sese Seko. He also fought alongside Kabila as part of the Alliance of Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Congo-Zaire (ADFL) in
1996. However, he later fell out with the DRC president and sought to live in exile again. He returned to his country when the second Congolese war broke out last August. Ilunga, described as "quiet and low-profile", previously headed the RCD's department of health.
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