DR Congo names new cabinet, cements president’s power

Government overhaul strengthens President Felix Tshisekedi and deals a new blow to his predecessor Joseph Kabila.

Democratic Republic of Congo’s Prime Minister has announced a new cabinet, completing a government overhaul by President Felix Tshisekedi that strengthens his hold on power. The new government is a further blow to Tshisekedi’s predecessor and former coalition partner, Joseph Kabila, who stepped down in January 2019 but maintained control of key ministries, the legislature, judiciary and security services. The president had in February named the head of state-owned mining giant Gecamines, Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde, as prime minister to succeed Sylvestre Ilunga Ilunkamba, who was forced out after a coalition between supporters of Tshisekedi and Kabila broke down.