Breaking: DR Congo leader Jean-Pierre Bemba sentenced to 18 years in prison by ICC for war crimes and sexual violence

Former vice-president of Democratic Republic of Congo convicted for his part in a campaign of rape and murder in Central African Republic in 2002-3

Former Congolese vice-president Jean-Pierre Bemba

Former Congolese vice-president Jean-Pierre Bemba has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for rape and pillage committed by his troops, becoming the highest level official to be handed down a sentence at the international criminal court.

Bemba, wearing a blue suit and tie, watched impassively from the dock during the hearing at The Hague on Tuesday.

GOOD NEIGHBOURLINESS ESSENTIAL FOR SECURITY OF AFRICAN COUNTRIES - BUHARI

RESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI RECEIVED EQUATORIAL
GUINEA ENVOY AT THE STATE HOUSE IN ABUJA. NOV 5 2015.

President Muhammadu Buhari said Thursday in Abuja that recent developments have made it more important than ever before for Nigeria and other African nations to close ranks and work together against terrorism.

Speaking at an audience with a Special Envoy of President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea, President Buhari said that since terrorism no longer respects national borders, the international community must urgently evolve and implement more effective collaborative measures to enhance global security.


"Good neighbourliness is essential for the security and economic development of African countries.