The star Online
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Kinshasa - Jean-Pierre Bemba, who lost the presidential elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has accepted defeat after his legal challenge to the result was thrown out by the Supreme Court.
Bemba said yesterday he felt "great disappointment and frustration at the manner in which the Supreme Court dealt" with his case before proclaiming that the incumbent Joseph Kabila had won the October 29 election.
"Nevertheless, in the higher interest of the nation and a desire to keep the peace and prevent the country sliding into chaos and violence, I today undertake before God, the nation and history to pursue the fight for change in a strong and republican opposition," Bemba said.
Three times since late August, central Kinshasa has been racked by violence involving Bemba supporters, riot police and, on one occasion, Kabila's troops, claiming about 30 lives. Part of the Supreme Court was set ablaze last week.
Kabila will be sworn in at a ceremony on December 6.
- Sapa-AFP