Couple of snipits from Panafrican news that might be of interest
Kabila Reshuffles Government
June 2, 1998
KINSHASA, Congo (PANA) - Democratic Republic of Congo President Laurent Desire Kabila has reshuffled his cabinet raising the number of ministers from 29 to 37.
The new cabinet list, announced Monday evening, has four senior ministers, 26 ministers and seven deputy ministers.
Kabila brought in 10 new members and dropped five ministers and deputy ministers who have been accused of poor management.
Those who have lost their posts are information minister Raphael Ghenda and planning minister Richard Mbaya, regarded as Kabila's friends with whom they fought in the bush war that led to the overthrow of Mobutu Sese Seko's regime on 17 May, 1997.
Victor Mpoyo, who also took part in the ''Kabila Revolution'', lost the economy portfolio.
The new team includes three women, among whom is Juliana Lumumba, daughter of first Congolese prime minister Patrice-Emery Lumumba, who becomes minister of culture and arts.
Two new ministries have been created - strategic resources and development, headed by Umba Kyamitala, a former managing director of the giant mining company GECAMINES under Mobutu, and human rights, under by Cheikh Okitondo.
No member of the radical opposition has been appointed to the new government.
Following is the full list of the government:
President/minister of Defence, Laurent Desire Kabila Senior Ministers:
- Interior, Gaetan Kakudji
- Planning, Banimanyi Mulumba
- President's Office, Pierre Victor Mpoyo
- President's Office, Deogratias Bugera Ministers:
- Justice, Mwenze Nkongolo
- Agriculture, Mawampanga Mwana Nanga
- Foreign Affairs, Bizima Karaha
- Economy, Nyembo Kambemba
- Finance and Budget, Fernand Tala-Ngai
- Transports and Communications, Henri Mova Sakanyi
- Industry, Babi Mbayi
- Public Works, Bruno Luaula
- State Enterprises, Faustin Kibwey Mulam
- Energy, Eleko Botuna
- Culture and Arts, Juliana Lumumba
- Education, Kamara Wakaikara
- International Cooperation, Celestin Luanghy
- Mining, Frederic Kibassa Maliba
- Posts and Telecommunications, Kinkela Vi-Kans'y
- Information and Media, Didier Mumengi
- Trade, Paul Bandoma
- Strategic Resources and Development, Umba Kyamitala
- Health, Dr Jean Baptiste Sondji
- Civil Service, Paul Kapita Shabangi
- Labour and Social Security, Thomas Kanza
- Human Rights, Cheikh Okitondo
- Lands, Anatole Bishikwabo
- Youth and Sports, Nduba Kimbaya
- Environment, Fisheries and Forestry, Edi Angulu Mabengi Deputy Ministers
- Interior, in charge of Public Order, Faustin Munene
- Interior, in charge of local government, Mutombo Katshi
- Social Affaires, Mrs Milulu
- Foreign Affairs, David Mbwankiem
- Basic and Secondary Education, Elamba Eboto
- Industrial and Oil Development, Jean-Pierre Kalema Disona
- Petroleum Marketing and Distribution, Prof Banyaku Lwape.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright c 1998 Panafrican News Agency. All Rights Reserved.
Over 300 Former Soldiers Join New Army
June 2, 1998
KINSHASA, Congo (PANA) - Over 300 former soldiers of the Zairean Armed Forces, who returned from exile, have been officially integrated into the new Congolese Armed Forces.
The soldiers had crossed into Zambia when Lubumbashi, capital of the southern province, fell to President Laurent Kabila's Alliance of Democratic Forces. They returned to their country in December.
Kabila, who met the soldiers Saturday in Lubumbashi, said Monday in Kinshasa that he had asked them to ''behave like citizens of this country and no longer like predators''.
''I think that they got the message and will participate in the reconstruction of this country'', he added.
One of the returnees, Col. Bikoko, who belonged to the former Special Presidential Division of Mobutu Sese Seko, said: ''We are ready to help President Kabila and shed our blood for the motherland.''
Over 10,000 former soldiers have sought refuge in neighbouring countries, especially Angola, Republic of Congo, Kenya and the Central African Republic.
They have expressed their desire to return home.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright c 1998 Panafrican News Agency. All Rights Reser
Regards
John |
