By Badylon Kawanda Bakiman
The population of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in Central Africa is awaiting the formation of a government of national unity that will bring together all the country’s tendencies so that the cohesion of the Congolese becomes a reality. President Felix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo announced the formation of this new government a few days ago. When contacted, some Congolese spoke out in favor of the new government.
“When is this famous government coming? I’m looking forward to it. The country is in crisis,” says Jean Malundu, a civil society leader from the town of Kikwit, in the Kwilu province of southwestern DRC.
According to him, as soon as the new government team is in place, this situation will ease tensions, particularly in the east of the country.
For her part, Giselle Mukunji, a human rights activist, invites President Tshisekedi to take into account the “gender” and “male-female parity” referred to in article 14 of the country’s constitution.
“Gender or male-female parity is no longer up for negotiation. Article 14 of the constitution is clear on this subject”, she insists.
In fact, article 14, to which Mukunji refers, stipulates: “The public authorities shall ensure the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women and the protection and promotion of their rights.
They shall take, in all fields, particularly in the civil, political, economic, social and cultural fields, all appropriate measures to ensure the full development and participation of women in the development of the nation. They shall take measures to combat all forms of violence against women in public and private life. Women have the right to equitable representation in national, provincial and local institutions. The State guarantees the implementation of parity between men and women in these institutions. The law sets the terms and conditions for the application of these rights”.
As for Grégoire Musotila, a primary school teacher, he wants “things” to speed up: “People are dying every day in the east of our country. Things need to speed up”, he says.
Eberande Kolengele, special adviser to the Head of State on security matters, says that consultations to form a government of national unity will begin soon.
“Despite the divisions, the formation of a government of national unity could send a strong message both nationally and internationally. Not only could this reinforce the image of national unity, it could also convince the international community that the DRC is determined to resolve its internal challenges,” says one observer.
