New Congo cabinet consolidates president’s position

Significance

Although a limited, technical adjustment had long been anticipated, Tshisekedi surprised with a strategic and politically far-reaching reorganisation, bringing in former Vice-President Jean-Pierre Bemba, former presidential Chief of Staff Vital Kamerhe and former Foreign Minister Antipas Mbusa Nyamwisi.

Impacts

• The new political heavyweights bring experience to the cabinet, but also egos, ambitions and agendas, which will need careful management.
• If the new ministers cannot quickly manage military dysfunctions and regional tensions, insecurity may spiral further out of control.
• A bloated government of some 57 individuals is unlikely to be efficient financially or in terms of governance.