Kinshasa press review of Wednesday August 2, 2023
The Kinshasa newspapers this Wednesday focus on the appointment orders of the Head of State, who appointed new officials for the National Security Council (CNS), the National Intelligence Agency (ANR) and certain companies in the state portfolio.
The newspaper Congo Nouveau headlines on the front page: “Daniel Lusadisu at the ANR, Esambo at the CNS”. According to this weekly, President Félix Tshisekedi has carried out changes in the DRC’s security apparatus. Daniel Lusadisu Nkiambi has been appointed new director general of the National Intelligence Agency (ANR), replacing Jean-Hervé Mbelu. In another order, the president also appointed a new special security advisor, Jean-Louis Esambo, replacing Jean-Claude Bukasa. These changes are seen as an attempt to renew the security system.
AfricaNews cites analysts who believe that the former officials, Jean-Hervé Mbelu and Jean-Claude Bukasa, were replaced because of their poor management of sensitive security issues. They allegedly made abusive arrests and violated the rights of opponents. With the arrival of Jean-Louis Esambo and Daniel Lusadisu, the hope is to see a new dynamic in the security services.
EcoNews underlines that these appointments bring new blood to Félix Tshisekedi’s security system. The president has entrusted important responsibilities to figures relatively unknown to the general public. While some are skeptical of these choices, it is important to emphasize that the president has the discretion to appoint officials he believes are most competent to serve in these roles.
At the same time, the Forum des AS newspaper also reports that the head of state has made appointments in public establishments and companies, as well as in his cabinet. These appointments affect different sectors such as legal, agriculture, infrastructure, posts and telecommunications, economy, etc.
In conclusion, the appointments of the Head of State in the security services and in public bodies demonstrate a desire for renewal and restructuring of the State apparatus in the DRC. These changes raise expectations about the effectiveness and integrity of new officials in carrying out their duties. Time will tell if these appointments will improve the security situation and promote the country’s development.