By Enyichukwu Enemanna
President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Félix Tshisekedi has partly reshuffled his cabinet with the appointment of two opposition politicians — Adolphe Muzito, a former Prime Minister under President Joseph Kabila and Floribert Anzuluni, leader of a minor opposition party.
While Muzito was named Vice Prime-Minister who will also be in charge of the budget, Anzuluni was appointed as head of regional integration.
Political watchers view this as an effort to mop up support across regions where the government’s control is shaky.
President Tshisekedi defeated Kabila in 2019, putting an end to the latter’s 18-year rule of the central African country.
The duo has engaged in heated political rivalry in recent times over allegation that the former President is backing M23 rebel group that has been fighting in the resource-rich eastern region of DRC.
In a television address, the government spokesperson, Tina Salama said the government announced a 53-member new cabinet.
More than 90% of the old cabinet members have been retained.
They were however assigned to new ministries. Among them are Eve Bazaiba, who transitioned from the environment ministry to social affairs, and Aimé Boji, who was moved from the budget ministry to industry.
The next presidential election in the DRC will not hold till 2028.
