CONGO: KINSHASA: REBEL LEADER LAURENT KABILA IS WORN IN AS PRESIDENT

(29 May 1997) French/Nat

Rebel leader, Laurent Kabila was sworn in on Thursday as President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, formerly known as Zaire.

Kabila finally took office with a promise to hold elections within two years - plus a commitment to rebuild his ruined country.

Congo's new leader swore the oath of office before the Head of the Supreme Court and a crowd of tens of thousands of people.

The Presidents of Uganda, Rwanda, Angola, Burundi and Zambia also attended the ceremony, in Kinshasa's main sports stadium.

The man who captured a country, and then renamed it, is now officially its President.

Laurent Kabila was sworn-in on Thursday, as President of the Democratic Republic of Congo. (formerly known as Zaire)

Dressed in his usual dark safari suit, Kabila waved his arms above his head as he made a dramatic entrance into Kinshasa's Kamanyola stadium to take his oath before 22 justices dressed in red robes lined with leopard skin.

The stadium was packed, as around 40-thousand spectators witnessed the ceremony.

Kabila is assuming virtually supreme power in his new role, after expelling the long-serving dictator Mobutu Sese Seko.

SOUNDBITE: (French)
"I, Laurent Desiree Kabila, President of the Republic, I swear loyalty to the nation."
SUPER CAPTION: Laurent Kabila, President of Congo

On hand were the Presidents of Angola, Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi and Zambia, all strong backers of Kabila in his war against Mobutu.

Each president shook the new President's hand and embraced him after the oath was completed.

The day before the ceremony Kabila acquired the power to rule by decree allowing him to hire and fire state workers at will.

Elections have not been ruled out but they are not likely to be immediate.

Kabila said last week that Congo needs a two-year transition period before democratic elections would be held.

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