PM attends Kabila’s swearing-in

Prime Minister Pierre Damien Habumuremyi was yesterday in Kinshasa to attend the swearing in ceremony of Joseph Kabila, the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Director of Cabinet affairs in the Prime Minister’s Office, Eugene Barikana confirmed that the Premier had travelled to the Congolese capital to attend the ceremony which followed the Supreme Court decision to uphold Kabila’s victory. “The Prime Minister is in the DRC to represent the President of the Republic,” Barikana said without delving into details of the official message sent to the Congolese leader. “The contents of the message and the details of the delegation sent could be obtained from the President’s office,” Barikana said. Minister of Foreign Affairs Louise Mushikiwabo accompanied the PM. Kabila was sworn in for his second term following his November 28 re-election that was mired in controversy. The event in Kinshasa was held under tight security, following protests by supporters of opposition leader, Etienne Tshisekedi. President Robert Mugabe was the only African Head of State present during the ceremony held in the Presidential compound and attended by thousands of Kabila’s supporters and invited guests. Upon his inauguration, Kabila vowed to safeguard national unity and promote peace and security in the country and within the region. The Congolese leader also vowed to focus on the economic growth of the country. “I will allow myself to be guided only by the general interests of the Congolese people, the respect of human rights, to concentrate all my efforts to promote our common well-being and peace,” the 40-year old said. Opposition leader Tshisekedi maintains he won the poll and says he will swear himself in on Friday. The government has however accused him of ‘being a bad loser’ who cannot acknowledge defeat, vowing not to allow the planned event. Kabila scooped 49 percent to Tshisekedi’s 32 percent in the election which follows a relative return to peace, especially in the Eastern part of the country. edmund.kagire@newtimes.co.rw

National

PM attends Kabila’s swearing-in