Sarkozy travels to Congo on Africa trip

Video: France 24 discuss the significance of the French President's trip

French President Nicolas Sarkozy is in Congo at the start of a two-day trip to Africa.

Sarkozy arrived in Kinshasa this morning where he is expected to meet Congolese President Joseph Kabila. Later in the day, Sarkozy is due to address the parliament of the Central African nation.

Congo, a country the size of Western Europe, continues to be destabilised by various rebel groups, mostly active in the nation's distant and lawless east.

Although democratic elections three years ago raised hope, Congo's president has been unable to contain the various rebellions.

Sarkozy is also making stops in neighbouring Republic of Congo and in Niger on his trip to the continent.