In a country where few if any in the political classes can claim never to have collaborated with President Mobutu Mr Kabila

In a country where few, if any, in the political classes can claim never to have collaborated with President Mobutu, Mr Kabila is a one off.He is an amiable fellow, but his affability evaporates if his Maoist past is questioned or his family life probed There are some signs of imperial, dictatorial tendencies. He has appointed relatives to key positions in rebel held territory. And re-education classes run by his forces for the citizens of captured towns have a rigid totalitarian feel.Political opposition, as yet, is banned in rebel territory, and his new standing has already been undermined by accusation of refugee massacres by Kabila's forces.Emma Bonino, EU Human Rights Commissioner, this week claimed that if Mr Kabila replaced President Mobutu this probably not be a change for the better. While few would make such a hasty judgement, diplomatic opinion has been influenced by another recent event.On Sunday, the South African President, Nelson Mandela, sandwiched between President Mobutu and Mr Kabila, at their first face-to-face meeting on the South African ship Outeniqua, described Mr Kabila as "a great son of Africa."The real worth of that diplomatic statement should be judged by the fact that President Mandela afforded the same praise to President Mobutu.Behind the scenes opinions of Mr Kabila, who initially failed to show for talks, are more acid.

"He's an arrogant son of a bitch," said one of the negotiation process backroom boys, of Kabila's endless stalling on the talks and his humiliation, not just of President Mobutu but President Mandela."He has really gone down in President Mandela's estimation."It is a confusing picture for those about to welcome Mr Kabila as saviour. If he is the latest member of the Museveni-Kagame club - African leaders dedicated to social order, stability and honest government - democracy will not be a priority That could kill the overwhelming goodwill that awaits him. "We have been fighting for election since 1990," said Jean- Paul. "People are happy to see Mobutu go but Kabila must understand that we want nothing less than democracy.".

Sir David Simon, one of Britain's best-known industrialists and the man credited with saving British Petroleum from financial disaster, yesterday confirmed his decision to join the Government in a new ministerial role responsible for trade and competitiveness The move ends a 36-year career with the oil giant. The appointment was viewed yesterday as a huge loss to BP but a coup for the Government, showing its determination to build a partnership with the business community. Sir David's move, at the personal instigation of Tony Blair, Prime Minister, is also another dramatic demonstration of the administration's more Euro-friendly approach. He has been one of the leading advocates of closer European co-operation from the business community, regularly putting the case for the UK collaborating on moves towards a single currency and a vehement critic of Euro-scepticism.Confirming his resignation as chairman, BP announced that Peter Sutherland, deputy chairman since 1995, would be taking over as interim chairman. The company said it would consider the issue of Sir David's long-term successor "in due course" though Mr Sutherland is almost certain to be confirmed in the job later this year. Another strong pro-European, Mr Sutherland is chairman of Goldman Sachs International and was a former European Commissioner responsible for competition policy. He also headed the World Trade Organisation.Sir David will be made a life peer to enable him to take up the ministerial position and has also resigned from his other non-executive directorships, including RTZ and Deutsche Bank.