Laurent Nkunda | |
|---|---|
| Born | 2 February 1967 Mutanda, Rutshuru, Republic of the Congo (Léopoldville) |
| Service |  Land Forces |
| Years of service | 1994–2004 |
| Rank | General |
| Battles / wars | Rwandan genocide (1994–1995); First Congo War (1997–1998); Second Congo War (2000–2003); Kivu conflict (2007); Nord-Kivu War (2008) |
Laurent Nkunda (or Laurent Nkundabatware Mihigo (birth name), or Laurent Nkunda Batware, or as he prefers to be called The Chairman; born February 2, 1967) is a former General in the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and is the former warlord (leader of a rebel faction) operating in the province of North-Kivu, and a officer of the Tutsi-dominated government of neighbouring Rwanda. Nkunda, who is himself a Congolese born Tutsi, commanded the former DRC troops of the 81st and 83rd Brigades of the DRC Army. He speaks English, French, Swahili, Kinyarwanda,[1] Lingala and Kinande. On January 22, 2009, he was put under house arrest in Gisenyi when he was called for a meeting to plan a joint operation between the Congolese and Rwandan militaries.[2][3]
- ^ McConnell, Tristan (2008-11-01). "Congo's maverick warlord who kills in the name of Christianity". The Times. London. Retrieved 2008-11-01.[dead link]
- ^ Nienaber, Georgianne (20 January 2012). "What Happened to Congolese General Laurent Nkunda?". HuffPost. Retrieved 10 July 2016.
- ^ BBC News. Rwanda arrests Congo rebel leader. 23 January 2009