New Congolese Government Formed After Five-Month Delay and Attempted Coup

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has finally unveiled a new government after more than five months of uncertainty following President Felix Tshisekedi’s re-election in December. The announcement of the new cabinet comes just 10 days after an attempted coup was foiled, highlighting the ongoing conflict in the mineral-rich east of the country.

The new 54-member cabinet, announced by government spokesperson Tina Salama on state broadcaster RTNC, includes the appointment of Guy Kabombo Muadiamvita as defence minister. His role is crucial in light of the recent coup attempt and the ongoing conflict between the Congolese army and Rwanda-backed M23 rebels.

President Tshisekedi, who came to power in 2019 with promises to transform DRC into “the Germany of Africa,” faced delays in forming the government despite winning re-election with over 70 percent of the vote. The formation of the government was delayed as different parties in the ruling coalition struggled to find a compromise.

Critics have accused Tshisekedi of failing to effectively manage the nation’s vast mineral wealth, estimated at $24 trillion, while the population continues to live in poverty. The country is among the five poorest nations on earth, according to the World Bank, and is losing significant wealth due to the ongoing conflict in the east.

The failed coup on May 19, led by armed Congolese and foreign nationals, resulted in several casualties, including opposition figure Christian Malanga and security guards. Human Rights Watch has called for fair prosecution of the participants and urged the government to uphold human rights and the rule of law.

The formation of the new government and the recent coup attempt underscore the challenges facing DRC as it seeks to address internal conflicts, harness its mineral wealth, and improve the lives of its citizens.