This archive report was first published on 26 August 2019.
On August 26, 2019, the Democratic Republic of Congo finally formed a coalition government, marking a significant milestone in the country's history.
According to Prime Minister Sylvestre Ilunga, the government is now in place, and work will begin soon. "The government is finally here. The president has signed the decree and we will begin work soon," Ilunga told reporters.
The power-sharing agreement brings together 23 members from President Tshisekedi's Direction For Change and 42 from former President Joseph Kabila's Common Front for Congo.
Former President Kabila, who ruled the country for nearly two decades, still commands widespread support, and his influence continues to shape the country's politics.
Ilunga noted that the coalition had taken time to form, as both sides had to remove obstacles to the government's functioning. He also highlighted the importance of having a female vice prime minister, minister for foreign affairs, and minister for planning.
Interestingly, around three-quarters of the members were serving in government for the first time, which Ilunga hailed as an "important innovation".
The country's first peaceful transition of power since independence in 1960 was marked by President Tshisekedi's election victory, but the politics remain overshadowed by Kabila's extensive influence.
