Kinshasa press review of Wednesday August 2, 2023
This Wednesday in Kinshasa, local newspapers looked at the recent appointments made by the Congolese head of state, Felix Tshisekedi. The main changes concern key positions within the National Security Council (CNS), the National Intelligence Agency (ANR) and certain companies within the State portfolio.
According to the weekly Congo Nouveau, Daniel Lusadisu Nkiambi has been appointed as the new director general of the ANR, thus replacing Jean-Hervé Mbelu. In another presidential order, Jean-Louis Esambo was appointed special adviser on security, taking the place of Jean-Claude Bukasa. These changes follow recent criticism of ANR and CNS security management.
According to AfricaNews, some analysts believe that the former officials, Jean-Hervé Mbelu and Jean-Claude Bukasa, were sanctioned because of their inability to effectively manage sensitive security files. Controversial arrests and attacks on individual freedoms have led to questions about their ability to provide state security.
EcoNews points out that these appointments bring a breath of fresh air to Tshisekedi’s security system. The choice of Jean-Louis Esambo and Daniel Lusadisu, two little-known personalities, testifies to the Head of State’s desire to breathe new life into the intelligence services. With general elections fast approaching, these changes raise questions about Tshisekedi’s goals.
At the same time, the Head of State also made appointments in public companies and within his cabinet, according to the daily Forum des AS. This reorganization aims to strengthen the various sectors such as industry and mining, agriculture, infrastructure, telecommunications, etc.
In conclusion, these important appointments in security organs and public companies show President Tshisekedi’s desire to put in place a competent and dynamic team. It remains to be seen how these new personalities will be able to meet the challenges that await them and contribute to the development and security of the Democratic Republic of Congo