DRC: first plenary session of the new National Assembly

In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the new National Assembly, largely dominated by the pro-Tshisekedi majority - more than 90% - has set up special commissions to validate the mandates of deputies. It is only after this operation that they will be able to exercise their functions while awaiting the end of the dispute before the Constitutional Court. There are 477 elected out of the 500 expected. Many are eager to perform their duties. 

The People's Palace in Kinshasa which houses the National Assembly in the DRC (illustrative image). REUTERS/Noor Khamis

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With our correspondent in Kinshasa,

Pascal Mulegwa

In the congress hall of the Palais du Peuple, in Kinshasa in the

DRC

, street attire is obligatory, whether among elected officials or in the audience. Opponent Constant Mutamba puts on his abacost and walks on a “cane of royalty”. A warrior's posture, according to him, in an assembly dominated more than 90% by the pro-

Tshisekedi

majority  : " 

We will ensure that the National Assembly is not a recording chamber, much less a sounding board for the government. We are going to activate the strengthening of control mechanisms so that a minister who steals, who manages poorly, is punished

. » 

“ 

I am very eager to be able to assume my role

 ”

His gaze turned towards the perch, Gari Sakata, re-elected from the territory of Bagata in the province of Mai-Ndombe, is eager to propose reforms: “ 

I am very eager to be able to assume my role. There is a large arsenal of laws from several sectors but which cannot be applied. Now we must focus on tax and socio-economic laws and especially justice reform. That the Assembly can focus more on effective parliamentary control. No junk as we knew it. The past legislature - for example - we saw no commission which made noise, which left traces, which is not normal.

 » 

Highlight “ 

environmental issues

 ”

With his white beard trimmed, Michel Moto, who is in his first parliamentary experience, would like to tackle the rare themes in the debate in Parliament: “ 

I am elected from the territory of Walikale in the province of North Kivu. We are very committed. We will highlight food safety. People need to feed themselves. We must once again become producers of what we eat and we are capable of doing so. Walikale is a breeding ground. At the same time we will also preserve our environment by highlighting environmental issues. 

» 

The deputies still have several weeks to validate the mandates, develop the internal regulations and elect the members. 

Read alsoDRC: publication of a new electoral calendar

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