Earlier this week, Congo cabinet, including Prime Minister Augustin Matata Ponyo, resigned from their positions. The resignation came as part of a political deal signed on October 18, 2016. 

“I have just handed in my resignation and that of my government to the president of the republic in line with the spirit of the political accord signed on Oct. 18,” said Mr Ponyo in a statement.

What is this deal about?

The deal behind Congo cabinet resignation is meant to keep President Joseph Kabila in power. Kabila, who is supposed to step down on December 19, 2016, has agreed with some opposition parties to delay presidential election until April 2018. They said the delay is due to a deficit in logistical means. As part of the deal, the government must resign and leave ministerial posts to opposition leaders who agreed on keeping Kabila in power. Kabila’s critics, the bloc of opposition that has not signed the deal, said the current situation is but the first step of the President’s aim to change the constitution. Communications Minister Lambert Mende responded to critics and addressed the issue during a press conference saying: “I have never stopped saying that the constitution will be respected and it excludes the possibility of a third term.” However, he added: “This does not in any way remove the right of the Congolese, like all sovereign people, to modify the constitution in three, four or five years, if they so desire.” (REUTERS)


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