On this day of July 16, 2023, the Provincial Assembly of Kasaï-Oriental opened an extraordinary session under the chairmanship of the Vice-President, Kizito Funyi Minanuji. This session was convened in order to deal with the remaining matters of the ordinary session of March 2023, as well as to set up a commission to examine the grievances against the President of the Provincial Assembly, Athanase Kabongo .
Topics to be discussed during this extraordinary session include the consideration and adoption of the reports of the parliamentary commission of inquiry into the financial management of the provincial government, the establishment of a commission to examine the misconduct alleged serious crimes committed by the President of the Provincial Assembly, as well as the examination and adoption of the reports of the ad hoc commission. In addition, the provincial deputies will also have to examine and adopt the permanent and special commissions in charge of formation.
Among the highlights preceding the opening of this session, tension was observed at the seat of the Provincial Assembly. The bishop of the diocese of Mbuji-Mayi, Mgr Emmanuel Bernard Kasanda, came to the scene to plead for peace and prevent any political crisis in the province. Despite this appeal, the petitioning deputies maintained their decision to open this special session.
It should be recalled that 16 provincial deputies out of 24 publicly repudiated the president of the Provincial Assembly, accusing him in particular of poor coordination of activities, lack of accountability, violation of internal regulations, a proven incompetence in the presidency of the plenary sessions, as well as a lack of consideration towards the provincial deputies. Some political observers even mention the possible dismissal of the president of the deliberative body because of his refusal to convene an extraordinary session aimed at dismissing the provincial governor, Patrick Mathias Kabeya Matshi Abidi.
This situation comes as the governor, elected under the colors of the Udps, has lost the confidence of the presidential party because of his management deemed faulty. The Udps federation in Mbuji-Mayi has also demanded his resignation and is encouraging the provincial deputies to dismiss the president of the Provincial Assembly, who is also from the same party.
The next plenary session is scheduled for Tuesday, July 18, 2023. Until then, a commission of 5 provincial deputies will have the task of examining the grievances and hearing the president of the Provincial Assembly under petition within 48 hours.
In this period of political tension, it is essential to ensure the preservation of peace and stability in the population of Kasaï-Oriental.