The President of the Kasai Oriental Provincial Assembly, Anthanase Kabongo Malembongo, is going through a difficult period with his elected colleagues. In a letter published recently, a dozen provincial deputies from Kasai Oriental expressed their distrust of President Kabongo, accusing him of notorious incompetence in the exercise of his functions.
The reproaches formulated against Anthanase Kabongo are numerous. The provincial deputies denounce the poor functioning of the administration of the Provincial Assembly, in particular with regard to the recruitment of personnel, which would have been carried out in violation of the texts in force. They also denounce the embezzlement and irregular allocations of the emoluments of provincial deputies, as well as funds allocated to the staff of the Assembly.
Among the grievances stated, the deputies also deplore the fact that President Kabongo made commitments on behalf of the Provincial Assembly without reporting to the plenary. They mention in particular the purchase of a mini-bus from the Provincial Assembly, in violation of the rules relating to public contracts of provincial and local interest. In addition, they reproach Anthanase Kabongo for not transmitting to the Provincial Assembly the messages, letters and other mailings which concern him, and for lacking respect towards the deputies by not respecting their rights and by showing a lack of consideration towards them.
Faced with these accusations, the provincial deputies demand concrete measures. They call for the dismissal of Anthanase Kabongo from the office of the Provincial Assembly, as well as the establishment of a commission responsible for noting the serious faults committed by the President and to replace him. In addition, they request the convening of an extraordinary session by the Vice-President of the Assembly to consider matters not completed during the March 2023 session.
This delicate situation highlights the internal tensions within the Provincial Assembly of Kasai Oriental. The deputies are determined to assert their rights and to ensure the proper functioning of the deliberative organ of the province. It remains to be seen what steps will be taken to resolve this conflict and maintain stability in the Provincial Assembly