The former president of the Democratic Republic of Congo has appeared in public for the first time since being sentenced to death in absentia for treason and war crimes.

A high military court in Congo has convicted former President Joseph Kabila of treason for his alleged collaboration with anti-government rebels and sentenced him to death.

Congo's public prosecutor has asked for the death penalty for former President Joseph Kabila.

Sam Nujoma, Namibia’s founding president who steered the country to freedom from apartheid South Africa, has been laid to rest in the country’s Heroes Acre cemetery following a state funeral attended by African leaders and foreign dignitaries.

Lengthy delays at the polls have forced officials to extend voting in Congo’s presidential election to Thursday.

Congo’s president says he has confidence an upcoming vote will be rolled out credibly, as tensions mount that a severe lack of electoral preparation could throw the conflict-riddled nation into disarray.

Pope Francis is urging the people and leaders of Congo and South Sudan to “turn a page” and forge new paths of reconciliation, peace and development.

The Vatican says Pope Francis is planning to visit Congo and South Sudan in July.

FILE - In this June 30, 1961 file photo, Congo celebrates the first anniversary of independence from Belgium with a large military parade in Leopoldville, the capital before it was later renamed in 1966 to Kinshasa, in Congo. On Tuesday, June 30, 2020 Congo is marking the 60th anniversary of achieving independence from the colonial rule of Belgium. (AP Photo/Horst Faas, File)KINSHASA Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi vowed to root out the corruption and impunity that has hindered the country since its independence from Belgium as the nation marked its 60th anniversary amid a global reckoning over racial inequality. After independence in 1960, Congo soon fell under the repressive rule of dictator Mobutu Sese Seko who ruled for 32 years. Education, employment, health, infrastructure nothing works because of the poor management and mediocrity of the Congolese political class, Lutunu said.