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The Democratic Republic of Congo Wednesday announced a new government, ending a months-long period of political uncertainty, government spokesperson Tina Salama announced.
President Felix Tshisekedi, re-elected in late 2023, faced delays in forming a cabinet due to internal negotiations within his Sacred Union coalition, which holds a large majority in parliament.
The wait is over, however, with the announcement of a 54-member cabinet – slightly smaller than expected despite calls for cost-cutting measures.
Judith Suminwa became the country’s first female Prime Minister in April, paving the way for Wednesday’s announcement.
Guy Kabombo Muadiamvita, a lawyer, takes the crucial role of Defense Minister as the DRC continues its fight against the M23 rebel group in the east.
Doudou Fwamba Likunde will oversee the Ministry of Finance, while Kizito Pakabomba takes charge of the Mines Ministry, crucial for managing the country’s rich mineral resources.
President Tshisekedi’s communications director, Erik Nyindu, acknowledged the delay, stating, “Better this than a country full of conflict.”
This new government marks a fresh start for Tshisekedi, who previously formed a coalition with his predecessor Joseph Kabila that dissolved in 2021.
Comoros President Assoumani Begins Fourth Term
President Azali Assoumani vowed to work towards peace and rapid economic growth as he was sworn in for his fourth term in office on Sunday, following a contentious January election marred by accusations of voter fraud from his opponents.
The election, which saw Assoumani re-elected with 63% of the vote, sparked violent protests resulting in one death and at least 25 injuries. The unrest erupted after the election body declared Assoumani’s victory, leading to allegations from opposition leaders of ballot stuffing and premature closure of polling stations. The government has denied these claims.
“Disputes after the elections are not unique to Comoros. I thank the Comorians for the renewed trust, and I will not disappoint you,” said Assoumani during his inauguration ceremony at a stadium in the capital, Moroni. Wearing a green and yellow sash, he called for unity among civil society, the opposition, and all political actors to prioritize peace and democracy.
Assoumani, a former army officer, first seized power through a coup in 1999. He stepped down in 2002 but returned to win elections 14 years later. In 2018, constitutional reforms eliminated the requirement for the presidency to rotate among the three main islands every five years, enabling Assoumani to seek re-election in 2019.
Comoros, an archipelago with a population of approximately 800,000 off the coast of Mozambique, has endured around 20 coups or attempted coups since gaining independence from France in 1975. The nation is also a significant source of irregular migration to the nearby French island of Mayotte.
In his address, Assoumani promised to grow the economy by 5% annually and invited all political factions to set aside their differences for the country’s betterment. “After this inauguration, I invite civil society, the opposition, and all political actors to put aside differences in favor of peace and democracy,” he stated, emphasizing his commitment to fulfilling his electoral promises.
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