DR Congos’s Shadary: pro-Kabila loyalist blacklisted by the EU

On the campaign trail he has bantered in local slang, told jokes, and declared his loyalty to the president.

By choosing a close ally who is under European sanctions, Kabila has essentially signalled that loyalty prevailed above all other criteria.

Within DR Congo, Shadary is not widely known, with his political base in Maniema, a small artisanal mining province in the east.

Described in his official biography as “the man you need for difficult times”, Shadary is sure to be put to the test if he is elected the country’s next president.