ABOUT two-thirds of the new cabinet unveiled by Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) president, Felix Tshisekedi, consisted of people allied to former president, Joseph Kabila, including its mines minister, said Reuters.
Of the 65 ministers named, 42 were from Kabila’s coalition and 23 were from Tshisekedi’s, said the newswire which added that most of the appointed had little to no experience in central government.
The composition of cabinet appears to support suspicions by civil society in the DRC that Tshisekedi’s controversial election victory in December – the results of which were delayed – were the product of a backroom deal with Kabila intent on retaining behind-the-scenes control of the country.
“Apparently the FCC will maintain its grip because it controls many of the ministerial departments,” Jonas Tshiombela, a prominent figure in Congo civil society told Reuters. The FCC is Kabila’s Common Front for Congo (FCC) coalition which also won about 70% of seats in the lower house of parliament and an overwhelming majority of provincial assembly seats in elections also held in December.
In May, Tshisekedi named Ilukamba, a close Kabila ally with years of government experience and previously the head of Congo’s national railway company, as prime minister. But negotiations over other government posts had been stalled since.
The mining portfolio went to Willy Samsoni, a member of Kabila’s coalition and a former mines minister in the local government of Haut Katanga province, while Congo’s former director general of taxes Sele Yalaghuli, also a Kabila stalwart, was named finance minister, said Reuters.
Mining companies including Glencore and Barrick Gold are hoping to win a sympathetic ear from Tshisekedi regarding the country’s mining code which was updated last year whilst Kabila was still in power. The code does not recognise stability clauses contained in an earlier version – a development that Glencore CEO, Ivan Glasenberg, said recently his firm was determined to fight in court.
In a visit to the US, however, Tshisekedi made comments that appeared to suggest he was open to discussion on the mining code.
“As the value leader in the global gold sector, Barrick offers the DRC peerless exploration, technical and financial support,” said Thornton. Barrick operates the DRC-based Kibali gold mine in joint venture with AngloGold Ashanti.
“We look forward to continue making a significant and growing contribution to the DRC’s economy and to unlocking the enormous value of its mineral potential,” said Thornton.
