Inside Story

Will the DRC slide into renewed turmoil?

A move to scrap the ruling coalition in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has triggered a political crisis.

Democratic Republic of the Congo President Felix Tshisekedi pledged to build a strong nation when he was elected last year.

But his reforms have been challenged by supporters of former leader Joseph Kabila who shares power with him.

Tshisekedi has scrapped the governing coalition, saying a new one will help him push through his agenda.

He is seeking to flip the majority in the legislative body in his favour to be able to do just that.

The president has threatened to dissolve Parliament, hold new elections and has acted to remove a Kabila ally as speaker.

His decision has sparked chaos in the assembly and the political crisis is threatening stability in the DRC.

Tshisekedi says the move comes after weeks of consultations with political parties.

So, what is the fallout from this power struggle in this African country?

Presenter: Mohammed Jamjoom

Guests:

Thomas Fessy – senior Congo researcher at Human Rights Watch

Kambale Musavuli – researcher at the Center for Research on the Congo

Nelleke Van De Walle – deputy project director for Central Africa at International Crisis Group