Fatshimetrie: The tumultuous underbelly of the composition of the government in the Democratic Republic of Congo
The formation of the government is always a crucial moment in the political life of a country. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the recent exit of the Sumwina government has sparked a wave of discontent within the Sacred Union of the Nation. Executives of the presidential majority have openly expressed their frustration regarding the distribution of ministerial posts.
According to certain USN political leaders, more than 70% of elected officials felt wronged by the composition of the Sumwina government. The distribution key for ministries based on the number of deputies would not have been respected, leaving certain political groups without any representation within the executive. The criticisms also relate to the non-compliance with the lists presented by the groups during the formation of the government, as well as to the appointment of people from outside these lists.
The Prime Minister is particularly criticized for her lack of transparency and her apparent nonchalance towards the demands of political groups. Some leaders also deplored the lack of representation of certain provinces, such as Maniema, within the government, thus adding to the general frustration.
Faced with these tensions, Augustin Kabuya called a consultation meeting with political leaders to calm things down. The options of “compensation” or “reshuffle” have been mentioned, but the second seems unlikely given the long months of negotiations preceding the formation of the government. It is very likely that compensation will be considered during future appointments in public companies and establishments.
The real test of the management of this internal crisis within the USN will be held during the government’s investiture vote in the National Assembly, scheduled for the coming weeks. Augustin Kabuya’s ability to ease tensions and respond to the demands of political leaders will be closely scrutinized by public opinion.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the composition of a government remains a complex and delicate exercise, subject to multiple pressures and diverse interests. Political, family, financial and regional issues intertwine to shape the decisions of leaders, often causing friction within the political class.
The Sumwina Tuluka government, with its 54 members, reflects these tensions and compromises necessary for the governance of a country as vast and diverse as the DRC. Managing these internal tensions will constitute a major challenge for President Félix Tshisekedi and his government team in the months to come.