DR Congo PM appointed under 'political agreement' with Kabila

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President of Democratic Republic of Congo Felix Tshisekedi on Monday named a government veteran, Sylvestre Ilunga Ilunkamba, as the next prime minister, a move that came nearly four months after his inauguration.

Ilunga Ilunkamba was appointed under "the political agreement" between Tshisekedi and his predecessor Joseph Kabila "regarding the creation of a coalition government," presidential spokesman Kasongo Mwema Yamba Yamba said.

Illunga Ilunkamba, whose government career spans decades, replaces Bruno Tshibala, who had been appointed by Kabila in 2017. Ilunga Ilunkamba's aides gave his age as 78.

Tshisekedi was sworn in on January 24 after elections that marked the Democratic Republic of Congo's first peaceful transition of power since the vast country gained independence from Belgium in 1960.

The country's politics remain overshadowed by Kabila, who amassed extensive clout after 18 years in power.

Democratic Republic of the Congo's outgoing President Joseph Kabila (2ndR) waves as he walks off the podium on January 24, 2019 after he officially handed over the instruments of power to the newly inaugurated President at the Presidency in Kinshasa. /VCG Photo

His political allies retain the upper hand in parliament, provincial assemblies and governorships across the country. His men also play a major role in security services.

Ilunga Ilunkamba, speaking to the press after meeting Tshisikedi, said, " I would like to thank his Excellency Joseph Kabila Kabange, who proposed me as prime minister and assured me of his trust."

He vowed to throw himself into ensuring the "harmonious governance of the coalition."

Tshisekedi told him the priorities would be "social, meaning education, health, security and establishing peace," he said.

Ilunga Ilunkamba's long record in government includes four spells as vice minister and two as minister for planning and finance. Prior to his new appointment, he was director general of the DRC's railway corporation, the SNCC.

(Top image: Democratic Republic of Congo's outgoing President Joseph Kabila sits next to his successor Felix Tshisekedi during an inauguration ceremony whereby Tshisekedi will be sworn into office as the new president of the Democratic Republic of Congo at the Palais de la Nation in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo January 24, 2019. /VCG Photo)

Source(s): AFP