Kabila’s ‘assassins’ released

Twenty-three soldiers accused of being behind the 2001 assassination of former DRC President Laurent Kabila have been released after spending nearly two decades behind bars. BBC News reports that a military trial that followed the killing jailed dozens of soldiers, including his personal aide, Colonel Eddy Kapend. Rights groups criticised the trial. There has been much speculation about who gave the orders for Kabila's assassination, including suggestions that foreign powers were involved. The soldiers' release follows pardons issued by President Félix Tshisekedi who replaced Kabila’s son, Joseph Kabila, two years ago. The release comes amid a power struggle between Tshisekedi and his predecessor, who continues to wield considerable influence in the country.