Bemba urges Kabila to put aside differences

Jean-Pierre Bemba, leader of the Mouvement de liberation du Congo (MLC), has urged DRC President Joseph Kabila to put aside their differences in the interests of the country.

In an open letter to the president, he requested a meeting at Kabila's convenience to end their standoff and move the peace process forward.

"It is up to you, Mr President, to tell me when and where it is convenient for you, so that together we may find the solutions that will lead the Congolese people to recover their confidence and hope in a brighter tomorrow," Bemba said in the letter, dated 3 September. He signed it both as president of the MLC and prime minister-designate of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The MLC, a former Ugandan-backed rebel movement, reached a power-sharing agreement with the Congolese government at the conclusion of the inter-Congolese dialogue in April in Sun City, South Africa. Under the accord, Kabila would remain as president and Bemba would serve as prime minister of a transitional government leading to a new constitution and democratic elections.

However, the MLC has threatened a return to armed opposition in reaction to a recent declaration that Kinshasa would no longer recognise that accord.

In his letter, Bemba urged Kabila to turn his attention to resolving the internal issues of the DRC conflict.

"I have followed with great interest your efforts to negotiate the withdrawal of foreign troops from the Democratic Republic of the Congo," he said. "Today, despite all the agreements that have been signed, we must recognise that the Congolese people still feel abandoned, sacrificed upon the altar of unattainable agreements with those who covet our resources and our land."

"The Congolese people demand some sign of hope from us. They expect their leaders to put aside their personal interests in favour of the greater interest of the nation," he said.

[See also: "Kinshasa would rather split country than share power - MLC"]