A former militia leader who had previously been found guilty of war crimes has been nominated as the new defense minister by Democratic Republic of the Congo President Felix Tshisekedi.
Former Congolese vice-president Jean Pierre Bemba was exonerated by the International Criminal Court in 2018 after an appeal.
He was found guilty of failing to stop his militia from breaking the law.
His appointment comes as the M23 insurgents in the country’s east are being fought by the Congolese army with support from Rwanda.
Vital Kamerhe, formerly Mr. Tshisekedi’s chief of staff, was chosen as minister of the economy. After being found guilty of embezzlement, Mr. Kamerhe was released last year after an appeal.
The revisions occur just before the country’s upcoming December elections, in which Mr. Tshisekedi is anticipated to fight for reelection.
