A power struggle appeared to be developing behind closed doors in the Democratic Republic of Congo capital, Kinshasa, yesterday as preparations were being made for the burial of President Laurent Kabila, who was shot on Tuesday. President Kabila's body was put on display for mourners at an army base in the Zimbabwean capital, Harare. His remains were laid out in a white and gold casket and are due to be flown back to DRC today, with a state funeral intended next Tuesday.
However, fresh reports suggest that Mr Kabila's death at the hands of his own bodyguard was not a random event but was instead orchestrated by senior military officers. There is also speculation that one of Congo's allies, Angola, may have played a part in the killing. Senior Zimbabwean military figures told the Harare-based Financial Gazette that President Kabila was assassinated due to a bitter rift with top military leaders.
Yesterday Mr Kabila's 31year-old son, Joseph, consolidated his position as interim head of state. Officials insisted he will be sworn in as permanent leader after an official mourning period of 30 days.
But it is Congo's other key supporter, Angola, that is now coming into focus as a pivotal player in the unfolding succession struggle. Angola has one of the best-equipped armies in Africa and is seen as the guarantor of Kinshasa's safety. However in recent months the Angolan President, Mr Eduardo dos Santos, had become frustrated with President Kabila for his losses on the battlefield and for his failure to prevent Angolan rebels from using DRC as a rear base.