NATIONAL ASSEMBLY COMMITTEES TO INCLUDE

UNCLAS KINSHASA 000386 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV KDEM CG SUBJECT: NATIONAL ASSEMBLY COMMITTEES TO INCLUDE SIGNIFICANT LEADERSHIP ROLE FOR OPPOSITION ¶1. (SBU) The DRC National Assembly's political groups have agreed to a proportional formula for sharing leadership positions in its eight permanent and technical committees that mandates a significant role for opposition and independent deputies. The agreement, which has yet to be officially announced, follows negotiations by the Assembly's AMP-dominated executive with the dozen or so political groups represented in the plenary. It apportions positions to each group on the basis of the number of deputies it represents. ¶2. (SBU) The agreement provides for six majority and two opposition committee presidencies, each drawn from a different political group. A deputy close to Assembly President Vital Kamerhe told us March 30 that the agreement requires each group to designate members to fill the slots allotted to it. According to the deputy, the complete slate will be presented for approval to the full Assembly. ¶3. (U) Each committee is composed of at least 60 members representing all of the Assembly's political groups. They are responsible for special issues and legislation submitted to them by the full Assembly or by members of the Assembly executive. Each of the eight committees includes five officers: president, first and second vice presidents, and rapporteur (spokesman) and deputy rapporteur. The agreement apportions 27 of the leadership positions to majority groups, nine to opposition groups, two to independents and one to the unaffiliated RCD. Most groups received two positions, with only the Kamerhe-led PPRD (10) and former Vice Presidnet Jean-Pierre Bemba's MLC (5) receiving more than three. ¶4. (SBU) Comment. The agreement is a welcome signal of voluntary inclusiveness. Kamerhe continues to confound those who were certain his election as Assembly president foretold heavy-handed majority domination of its proceedings. It is now up to deputies from both camps to show that the majority and opposition are able to work together constructively and effectively. End comment. MEECE