Jean-Pierre Bemba Biography

Jean-Pierre Bemba is a political leader of the Democratic Republic of Congo who was involved in a violent power struggle. He is currently undergoing trial in the International Criminal Court for war crimes. He was so hell bent on seizing the power that he founded a rebel group to achieve his objective. He was ultimately able to coerce the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo into a power-sharing agreement and was made one of the four vice presidents in the transitional government. From an early age, he led a very privileged life amongst peers who are severely disadvantaged. His father was not only an extremely successful businessman and self-proclaimed millionaire but also had ties with the reigning dictator Mobutu Sese Seko. When his country had a shift in power Bemba was openly and violently opposed. In response he formed a militant group. His violence eventually coerced his government into forming an agreement and allowing for power-sharing. When presidential elections came around, however, he was not chosen to lead the country. Again violence erupted and eventually his violent supporters caused such a bloody protest that he was escorted out of the country by the United Nations’ forces. A very short time later he was arrested for international war crimes as well as crimes against humanity. Currently, he is still detained and his trial is still ongoing. His first trial was thrown out when Bemba again used intimidation, threats, and bribes to falsify witness testimony in his favor.