Although he declined calls to run for President in 1996 and 2000, the retired four-star Army general has remained very much in the public eye since leaving public office.

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As a result, Kinshasa remained calm and factions in the army that might have risen up were disarmed.

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In neighboring India the army remained on alert, army officials said, adding that all precautions had been put in place.

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Despite the policy, Congolese officers say, Mr. Ntaganda remained actively involved in army operations.

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"But that remained true for my two-and-a-half years in Northern Ireland, the Army was very eager and keen to me, " he added.

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