DR Congo president in Kabila power-sharing deal

The new president of the Democratic Republic of Congo and his predecessor, Joseph Kabila, have agreed to form a power-sharing government.

Since his surprise win in disputed elections in December, President Felix Tshisekedi has been unable to push through his choice for prime minister.

This is because the Mr Kabila’s FCC coalition controls parliament.

So after three days of talks both sides agreed on a deal that they say will “strengthen the climate of peace and stability of the country and facilitate the rapid establishment of a government”.

There is no official confirmation as to which side will now nominate the prime minster, but it is expected that the FCC will have a say and will get key ministries.

Mr Tshisekedi’s inauguration in January was the first peaceful transfer of power in the country in nearly 60 years.

But numerous sources say presidential challenger Martin Fayulu won a landslide victory and was denied office by a backroom deal between Mr Kabila and Mr Tshisekedi.

Mr Kabila was constitutionally ineligible to run for a third consecutive term and the election should have taken place by the end of 2016 but was repeatedly postponed because of logistical problems.

Mr Fayulu has now refused to take up his seat as a member of parliament.

“I am the elected president, and this is what I consider myself to be. I cannot be both the elected president and an MP,” he is quoted as saying.

Source: BBC