The reigning prime minister of the democratic republic of Congo happens to not be in good terms with his president. This is as a result of an arrest of the justice minister of the country. The prime minister distastefully rebuked the president; Felix Tshisekedi, over the subjective arrest of the prime minister. The events were linked to the proposed judicial reforms which proved to be controversial to the governments operations.
Hope to the Congo citizens
Tshisekedi took office early in the year 2019, January. The year marked the first harmonious and tremendously peaceful handover of power in the Sub-Saharan Africa’s largest country. This was after 18 long years of service by Joseph Kabila. The country was then again filled with hope against civil discord. Little did Tshisekedi know of the unmet circumstances that would threaten his reign? As a matter of fact, tensions are set to rise following the prevailing conflicts.
The clashes
Justice Minister Celestin Tunda Ya Kasende was incarcerated by the same law he is advocating for before being released. This was after several hours of being held against his will on Saturday after conflicting with Tshisekedi over the legal changes proposed. This did not serve as good news to the angry Tshisekedi supporters and could not suppress their anger. A two long day protest was then launched in efforts to express their dissatisfaction. Venting out their anger by burning tyres, blocking traffic outside the parliament and erecting barriers where possible. He was later set free without charge as the prosecutor defended his arrest.
Last words
The divisive judicial reforms were proposed by the common front of Congo (FCC). A party where both Tunda Ya Kasende and the Prime Minister Sylvestre Ilunga are member. The group also faces Tshisekedi’s Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS). However, FCC holds majority of the cabinet posts. These makes it even difficult for the UDPS to confidently address the selfish ambitions alleged to the FCC. The proposals were set to define the powers of judges and critics perceived this as a strategy to silence the judicial system.
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