South Africa's Zuma in DR Congo for visit amid crisis

By Godfrey Olukya

ARU, Democratic Republic of Congo (AA) - South Africa’s president has arrived at his northern neighbor, the Democratic Republic of Congo, for an official visit.

A statement from Congo’s presidency released Sunday said that Jacob Zuma arrived late Saturday night in the capital Kinshasa for a two-day visit.

“He was welcomed at Ndjili International Airport by Prime Minister Bruno Tshibala. On his descent from the plane, he made no statement,” the statement said.

It added that Joseph Kabila, president of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Zuma are to meet at the state Palais de la Nation building to hold talks.

They are set to discuss issues of peace and security in the Great Lakes region, including the ongoing conflict in the eastern part of the country.

Zuma is visiting in his capacity as chair of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) inter-governmental organization, and as the country faces a political crisis.

Kabila's term expired last December, but he has refused to leave office, saying elections cannot take place because most voters are not registered. The opposition has held protests against his decision.

In Catholic bishop-brokered peace talks, it was agreed that elections would be held before the end of this year. But a week ago the electoral commission said polls will be held in mid-2019 at the earliest, an announcement that ratcheted up tension.