Democratic Republic of Congo premier resigns

By Godfrey Olukya

ARU, Democratic Republic of Congo (AA) - Democratic Republic of Congo Premier Samy Badibanga has resigned, a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office announced Thursday.

''Samy Badibanga has filed his resignation at the Palais de la Nation. He has also instructed those in office to prepare the handing over,'' the statement read on UN radio in DRC said.

The resignation came a day after President Joseph Kabila’s address in which he announced he was going to appoint a new prime minister.

Kabila appointed Badibanga in November 2016, who took charge on Dec. 21, 2016.

Badibanga was one of the leaders who participated in the dialogue process between the government and the opposition to find way forward after the government said elections could not be held this year.

However, when Kabila's term in office expired on Dec. 16, 2016, riots broke out in the country that left over 50 people dead.

Catholic Bishops mediated talks between the opposition and government were held, and an eventually an agreement was signed on Dec. 31, 2016.

Immediate appointment of prime minister from the opposition was among the terms agreed in the deal.

The main opposition party, UDPS, had selected Felix Tshisekedi as prime minister; however, Kabila asked for a choice of three instead of just one name.

Tshisekedi said Thursday the president needs to respect the December 2016 deal.