The DRC’s Political Marriage Crumbles

The president of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Félix Tshisekedi, has set out his plan to break months of political deadlock with supporters of his predecessor, Joseph Kabila. In a televised address on Sunday, Mr Tshisekedi said he would appoint an official to build a new coalition majority in the national assembly, which is dominated by Mr Kabila’s followers. He said he was prepared to dissolve the assembly altogether if necessary. In recent days, the UN secretary general and the head of the African Union have voiced concern about growing tension between Congo’s rival political blocs. Félix Tshisekedi delivered a much-anticipated speech in which he unveiled the conclusions of an intense round of political meetings. The aim: end the crisis caused by nearly two years of tension with his coalition partner, the Common Front for Congo (FCC) of former president Joseph Kabila. After listing the points of convergence that emerged during these three weeks of consultations (2 – 25 November) – from the fight against impunity, insecurity and corruption, to the need for electoral reforms or the prospect of a national census – Tshisekedi noted the failure of the ruling coalition.

SOURCE: THE AFRICA REPORT