Afrigather Nairobi — The Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde has resigned from his place after three years on the helm.
Lukonde, 46, handed his official resignation to President Félix Tshisekedi on Tuesday, the DRC Presidency mentioned.
His resignation comes after the validation of his mandate to function the Nationwide Deputy representing Kasenga Constituency.
“He had been on the head of the federal government since February 15, 2021, on the finish of the nationwide consultations that the Head of State had initiated in November 2020,” the DRC Presidency mentioned.
Lukonde was appointed head of presidency following the collapse of the coalition between ex-President Joseph Kabila and Tshisekedi.
His exit got here simply over every week after the DRC Constitutional Courtroom declared the incompatibility of presidency and legislative capabilities, directing ministers, provincial governors, and members of political cupboards who’re additionally elected in legislative elections to resign from their political positions except they offer up their electoral mandate.
The DRC presidency was silent on whether or not the transfer was knowledgeable by the February 8 Constitutional Courtroom choice.
Underneath DRC’s Structure final amended in 2011, the Prime Minister shares the management of the chief department of presidency with the President.
Article 78 of the DRC Structure dictates that the President of the Republic appoints the Prime Minister from inside the parliamentary majority after consultations.
The position of the Prime Minister contains advising the president on govt duties, making certain the execution of legal guidelines, and regulatory powers.
Lukonde’s resignation comes at a time when the Congolese military is at present battling the M23 rebels, who’ve continued to wreak havoc within the Jap DRC amid requires the cessation of hostilities.
DRC-Rwanda stress
Rwanda’s involvement within the ongoing battle has additionally been introduced into focus, with the US and the European Union calling for a de-escalation.
On February 18, Rwanda, nonetheless, demanded the demobilisation and repatriation of the DRC-backed Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) insurgent group as a situation to de-escalate a simmering battle with Kinshasa.
Kigali made the demand after the US referred to as on Rwanda to right away withdraw its troops from the DRC and take away its surface-to-air missile methods, citing considerations over civilian security and business flight operations in japanese DRC.
President Paul Kagame maintained that he won’t again down, emphasizing that DRC help for FDLR “is a matter of state coverage, not the selection of particular person actors.”
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“Ending Congolese state help for FDLR, and making certain their demobilization and repatriation to Rwanda, is a non-negotiable requirement to guard Rwanda’s territorial integrity and assure the preservation of our hard-won nationwide unity for future generations,” he mentioned, asserting that Rwanda reserves the precise to take any reputable measures to defend itself as long as the menace exists.
Kagame has been strengthening his army place on the border with DRC amid mounting stress with President Felix Tshisekedi’s regime.
He has accused the DRC of collaborating with FDLR to expel M23 rebels and Congolese Tutsi civilians into neighboring international locations, exacerbating regional instability.
About The Writer
Bruhan Makong is a devoted journalist who reviews on crime, human rights and international affairs. He’s obsessed with uncovering the reality, amplifying the voices typically drowned in silence and holding these in energy to account.
