Kabila sworn in despite election dispute

Joseph Kabila was sworn in yesterday for a new term as president of Democratic Republic of Congo following his victory in a disputed election.

The opposition has already refused to recognise the 28 November poll result.

Yesterday’s inauguration was held in a heavily guarded compound in Kinshasa and was attended by only one foreign head of state, president Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe, and several thousand Kabila supporters.

Ambassadors from the United States, France and the United Kingdom also attended.

Mr Kabila promised to improve “the business climate to better serve investors”.

He has been in power since his father Laurent was assassinated in 2001.

Opposition figure Etienne Tshiskedi rejected Mr Kabila’s re-election, raising fears of violence in his Kinshasa power base.