Title: Current issues in the DRC: dismissal of the President of the Provincial Assembly and political tensions
Introduction :
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is once again in the spotlight with the opening of the extraordinary session of the Kasaï-Oriental Provincial Assembly on July 14, 2023. This session, convened to settle outstanding matters of the ordinary session of March 2023, is also marked by the establishment of a committee responsible for examining grievances against the President of the Assembly. This decision follows the petition filed by the majority of provincial deputies against him. This situation reflects the political tensions in the country and raises questions about the stability of the provincial government.
The context of the extraordinary session:
The Vice-President of the Provincial Assembly of Kasai-Oriental, Kizito Funyi Minanuji, opened the extraordinary session stressing its importance in addressing outstanding issues. Among these are the consideration and adoption of the reports of the parliamentary commission of inquiry into the financial management of the provincial government. In addition, a commission of 5 provincial deputies has been set up to examine the grievances held against the President of the Assembly, Athanase Kabongo. This commission has 48 hours to carry out this investigation. A next plenary session is scheduled for July 18, 2023.
Pre-existing tensions:
Even before the opening of this extraordinary session, tension was already palpable at the seat of the Provincial Assembly. The bishop of the diocese of Mbuji-Mayi, Mgr Emmanuel Bernard Kasanda, went there to promote peace and prevent a possible political crisis. Despite his efforts, the petitioning deputies maintained their decision to open this extraordinary session, thus expressing their disagreement with the President of the Assembly.
The reproaches formulated against the President of the Provincial Assembly:
In a statement, 16 out of 24 provincial deputies disavowed President Athanase Kabongo, accusing him of poor coordination of assembly activities, lack of accountability, violations of internal regulations and proven incompetence. Some political observers believe that his dismissal is being considered, in particular for having refused to convene an extraordinary session aimed at the dismissal of the provincial governor, Patrick Mathias Kabeya.
Conclusion :
The political situation in the DRC remains tense with the opening of this extraordinary session of the Provincial Assembly of Kasai-Oriental and the tensions around the dismissal of the President of the Assembly. These events highlight divisions within the provincial government and raise concerns about the political stability of the country.. It is essential that peaceful and balanced solutions be found to ensure the democratic and serene functioning of institutions in the Democratic Republic of Congo