Mobutu soldiers stranded in exile

Mobutu left his country in ruins

Exiled soldiers loyal to the former leader of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mobutu Sese Seko, are being prevented from returning home.

They fled to neighbouring Republic of Congo when he was overthrown in 1997.

The repatriation of some 100 soldiers was announced last week by a local non-governmental organisation.

But authorities in Congo say they have not received any authority from DR Congo to allow their boat to cross the river that separates their capitals.

DR Congo is now led by Joseph Kabila, the son of the man who toppled Mobutu.

After Mobutu fled, the country descended into a five-year civil war, which drew in neighbouring countries, killing an estimated 3m people.

Mr Kabila heads an interim government, formed in 2003, which includes members of former rebel groups, opposition politicians and Kabila loyalists.

Under the terms of the peace deal, rebel militia are being integrated into the national army.