Continuing his consultations to seek a new majority and get rid of the influence of his predecessor Joseph Kabila, Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi on Wednesday, November 4, received Jean-Pierre Bemba, President of MLC. As the negotiations come to day four, civil society demands that they not just share the cake.
With our special correspondent in Kinshasa, Sonia Rolley
When he left the Palais de la Nation after a long interview with the Congolese head of state, Jean-Pierre Bemba, President of the Congo Liberation Movement (MLC) was busy and avoided saying, “Everything went well, but I have no statement to make. I have to get back on the plane now. In any case, I support any dialogue between the Congolese ”.
Jean-Pierre Bemba is the first political party leader to be received by President Félix Tshisekedi. According to his relatives, he came to listen and will not make a quick decision … not until his former opposition colleague, Félix Tshisekedi, has shared his conclusions after consultations.
The Congolese president is still exploring his options, we still say in the wake of what we called “the President.” His MLC party and its allies have 28 deputies. Or MPs that the head of state might need if he tries to shake off his predecessor’s and form a new majority.
No simple sharing of views between parties, civil society asks
For Congolese civil society, the politicization of certain institutions is the beginning of the current crisis. “The reason the country is in this situation today, it must be said, is the election chaos in 2018,” said Floribert Anzuluni of the civil movement Filimbi (“whistle” in Swahili). We need to depoliticize the polling station, the judiciary and all the public functions that are not meant to be politicized. ”
“Depoliticization” is also the key word for unions, professional organizations and associations, such as women’s associations. “To avoid being able to politicize the territory, diplomacy and the judiciary,” asks Rose Mutombo Kiese of the Permanent Framework of Consultation of Congolese Women (Cafco). It is high time that people work for the service of the nation instead of working for political parties ”.
“Focus on competence over political protection“
The coalitions between Félix Tshisekedi and Joseph Kabila admitted that they did not agree the composition of the Independent National Electoral Commission (Céni), the Constitutional Court, but also the appointment of the territorial or public representatives. “We asked the head of state to ensure that there is no politicization of public companies, that we can privilege competence instead of activism or political protection,” summed up Patrick Ngulu of the National Association of Public Establishments and Portfolio Companies (Anep).
It remains to be seen whether this message will be heard when it is the political actors who are also called upon to agree to resolve the crisis.
► also read: DRC: President Tshisekedi Announces Consultations for “Holy Union”
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