DRC GOVERNMENT RESHUFFLE

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 KINSHASA 001307 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV KDEM CG SUBJECT: DRC GOVERNMENT RESHUFFLE ¶1. Summary: Late in the evening of Sunday, November 25, the DRC government, led by Prime Minister Antoine Gizenga, announced a cabinet reshuffle. Major changes include a reduction in the number of ministries from 40 to 33, the reduction of ministries of state from six to three, the appointment of two political figures to ministerial posts, and the removal of four ministers and nine vice-ministers. List of the new government follows at para 5. Bios of new ministers and comments will follow septels. (End summary). ¶2. Following the government reshuffle, the cabinet of Prime Minister Antoine Gizenga is now composed of 30 ministers, three ministers of state and 11 vice-ministers. The three remaining ministers of state are the Minister of State for Agriculture, the Minister of State for Interior, Decentralization and Security, and the Minister of State at the Presidency. Three other ministries -- Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Higher Education and Scientific Research, and Infrastructure and Public Works -- were downgraded from Ministries of State to the level of other working ministries. ¶3. Two politicians from the majority coalition (AMP -- Alliance de la Majorite Presidentielle) were appointed to the cabinet for the first time. These were Andre Philippe Futa, and Jose Endundu, respectively Minister of Economy and External Trade, and Minister of Environment and Tourism. ¶4. Among those removed from the government were four ministers: Toussaint Tshilombo Send, previously Minister of Information; Didace Pembe Bokiaga, previously Minister of Environment; Pardone Kaliba, previously Minister of Youth and Sports; and Georges Minsay, previously Minister of Justice. Among the Vice-Ministers losing their jobs is Alain Lubumba of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. ¶5. Following is the composition of the reshuffled DRC government: Ministers of State -------------- Minister of State at the Presidency: Nkulu Mituba Kilombo Agriculture: Nzanga Mobutu Ngbangawe Interior, Decentralization and Security: Kalume Numbi, Denis Ministers -------------- Minister at the Office of the Prime Minister: Mayobo, Godefroid Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation: Mbusa Nyamwisi, Defense and Veterans: Chikez Diemu Justice: Mutombo Bakafwa Nsenda Relations with Parliament: Lumanu Sefu, Adolphe Planning: Kamitatu, Olivier Finances: Matenda, Athanase Budget: Muzito, Adolphe Portfolio (State-owned Enterprises): Mabunda, Jeanine Economy and Trade: Futa, Andre Futa Communications and Media: Bongeli, Emile Infrastructure and Public Works: Lumbi Okongo, Pierre Industry: Mboso, Simon Transport: Mwando Nsimba, Charles Gender, Women and Children's Issues: Omatuku, Philomene Higher Education and Scientific Research: Masuga, Leonard Primary, Secondary, and Professional Education: Mwangu, Maker Mines: Kabwelulu, Roger Energy; Banamuhere, Salomon Petroleum: Mende Omalanga, Lambert KINSHASA 00001307 002 OF 002 Postal Services, Telephone and Telecommunications: Mrs. Munga, Louise Environment and Tourism: Endundu Bononge, Jos Health: Makwenge, Victor Housing: Ngabu, Sylvain Property rights: Kabukabwa Bitangilay,Edouard Labor and Social Security: Lukiana, Marie-Ange Public Administration: Ikenge Lisambola, Simon Social and Humanitarian Affairs: Muyambo, Jean-Claude Culture and Arts: Kambale Esdras Youth and Sports: Bikonga, Willy Vice-Ministers -------------- Interior: Mpangu, Joseph Dovel Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation: Gata, Ignace. Congolese Diaspora: Mrs. Tshomba Tundu, Collette Defense and Veterans: Amuri, Luc Human Rights: Basibuye, Claude Budget: Mbuyu, Celestin Public Works: Nturaminyerwa, Gervais Mines: Kasongo Shomary Rural Development: Bonane ya Ngazi, Xavier Scientific Research: Rugabisha, Zache Professional Education: Sedea, Arthur Garvelink