Democratic Rep. of Congo: Opposition criticizes new PM

By Godfrey Olukya

ARU, Democratic Republic of Congo

The opposition is criticizing the appointment of Democratic Republic of Congo’s new prime minster, saying as the appointee is not truly from the opposition, the move will not solve the country’s political problems.

President Joseph Kabila Thursday appointed Samy Badibanga as new prime minister in a power-sharing deal that would help extend his tenure.

In a statement Friday, the main opposition UDPS said the appointment will change nothing.

"President Kabila has power to appoint and dismiss a prime minister as he wishes. But the UDPS still believes in the virtues of dialogue. We believe that only inclusive dialogue can find a lasting solution to the crisis,'' said Jean-Marc Kabunda, the party’s general secretary.

He said that since 2011 Badibanga has distanced himself from the UDPS and the opposition where he belonged before becoming an MP.

Opposition coalition mobilizer William Nkerere said that Kabila appointing a nominal opposition figure amounts to abusing the opposition.

“Badibanga is no longer an opposition member. He has always been sympathetic to Kabila,'' he added.