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 KINSHASA, Congo (AP) - Millions of war-weary Congolese choose the nation's first democratically elected leader Sunday amid hopes the historic ballot can end decades of war and despotic rule that have echoed across Africa.
The vast impoverished nation, which borders nine other countries in the heart of the world's poorest continent, is at a crossroads between continued conflict and peace, and its new president will blaze a trail for neighboring countries long involved with Congo.
"Clearly, this is a country of tremendous potential and importance to the continent as a whole. The development of Congo has an impact on all of Africa: north, south, east and west," said U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Jendayi Frazer, on hand to witness the vote.
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