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DRC Still Polarized Even After Deal To Include Opposition In Unitary Government

DRC Still Polarized Even After Deal To Include Opposition In Unitary Government

Augustin Ponyo, the Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and other cabinet members resigned last week in a deal that is expected to usher in a unitary government and extend President Joseph Kabila’s tenure past his constitutionally-mandated term next month, to April 2018.

The position will be occupied by an opposition leader with several others getting ministerial slots in the power-sharing agreement signed last month, following the dissolution of the current government.

“I have just handed in my resignation and that of my government to the president of the republic in line with the spirit of the political accord signed on October 18,” Reuters quoted Ponyo saying in a statement.

It is however, not clear when Kabila will name Ponyo’s successor.

Vital Kamerhe, whose opposition faction signed the deal with Kabila is heavily tipped to be named the new Prime Minister, Eagle Online reported.

Opposition leaders under the Rally of Forces for Change (Le Rassemblement), however rejected the deal.

The caucus, led by veteran politician, Etienne Thisekedi said that it is was non-inclusive and a plan by Kabila to hold on to power.

Le Rassemblement also called for the removal of former Togolese Prime Minister, Edemo Kodjo, who brokered the African Union-initiated agreement, Voice of America reported.

The opposition group suggested Abdou Diouf, former president of Senegal, former United Nations Secretary General, Koffi Annan or Jakaya Kikwete, former president of Tanzania, to lead fresh talks to be held only after the government re-opens opposition’s media that have been shut down and release of all political prisoners.

The release of political prisoners may have been meant to heap pressure on Kabila to release Moise Katumbi, one of his fiercest rivals who is also considered one of the leading contenders in the elections that were set for this month.

A judge who convicted Katumbi of illegally selling property and handed him a three-year jail-term in absentia, said that the nation’s intelligence unit forced her to deliver the verdict meant to derail Katumbi’s political career.

She went into hiding after releasing the letter addressed to Kabila and other politicians, BBC reported.

The mineral-rich nation has experienced political tensions since September, when the country’s electoral commission, Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) announced the polls will be postponed to 2018.

Dozens of protesters died after clashes broke out with the police during a rally organized by the opposition in the capital, Kinshasa anti-government polls in September.