The shadow of an outcome of the discussions on the particular arrangement is gradually taking shape on the side of the interdiocesan center. The political actors gathered around the bishops of the National Episcopal Conference of the Congo (CENCO) returned to the plenary on Monday, March 20th, with a few proposals that helped to advance the discussions. However, major discrepancies could arise on new subjects to be reviewed.
The big step taken by the delegates in this plenary was the one related to the question of the appointment of the Prime Minister. The delegates of the Presidential Majority, in their proposal related to this issue, suggested a consultation between the President of the Republic and the President of the Rally to find a solution on this subject.
Nevertheless, the MP is sticking to its position on the method of appointment which, according to its proposal, will not be effected otherwise than through a list of names to be submitted to the Head of State, against which the Rally, in turn, Is opposed while agreeing for a meeting between the leaders of the two political families.
Sharing responsibilities
As for responsibility sharing in the future government, a commission composed of delegates from each component will undertake to provide clear proposals on the portfolios to provide for each group or stakeholder in the CENCO discussions that started three months ago.
CNSA Presidency: not in a hurry
On the other hand, the parties to the discussions did not comment on the new polemic on the Chairmanship of the Monitoring Committee of the Agreement, which they have referred to a later stage. The position granted to the President of the Council of Elders of the Rally in the New Year’s Eve agreement should be discussed again, according to the Presidential Majority, which believes it has been granted to Etienne Tshisekedi as an individual.
While the PM and the Rally agreed (in part) on the procedure for resolving the thorny question of appointing the next Head of Government, a major divergence underlying the delay in signing the Special Arrangement, the issue of the Presidency of the National Monitoring Committee could be the new deadlock which will prolong the signing of the document annexed to the agreement signed between Opposition, Majority and Civil Society on 31 December 2016.