Mobutu sacks Zaire PM
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.GBADOLITE (Reuter) - President Mobutu Sese Seko sacked the reformist Prime Minister of Zaire, Etienne Tshisekedi, yesterday. Mr Mobutu blamed him for riots in which at least 80 people died. The President said he would ask the transitional parliament, the High Council of the Republic, to propose a new premier because Mr Tshisekedi had not fulfilled his mandate to form a new, broad- based cabinet.
'In view of Mr Tshisekedi's inability to form a government of national unity, I am asking the High Council of the Republic . . . to present me very swiftly with a personality to be charged with forming a government of public salvation,' he said.
Mr Tshisekedi was elected by a national pro-democracy conference last August. Mr Mobutu previously appointed him prime minister in October 1991 but sacked him within a week after he refused to swear an oath of allegiance.
At a news conference at his isolated stronghold of Gbadolite, 800 miles north of the capital, Kinshasa, the President made clear he would not allow the opposition- dominated HCR to re-submit Mr Tshisekedi's name.
Each has blamed the other for the mutiny on 28 January, which led to rioting and a crackdown by by Mr Mobutu's troops that left more than 1,000 dead, according to the government.
'I am asking them to propose another name,' Mr Mobutu said. 'Because of him my soldiers shot at each other.' The two men are locked in a struggle which has come to a head over new 5m-zaire banknotes, issued by the pro- Mobutu central bank but outlawed by Mr Tshisekedi.
Soldiers went on a looting rampage on Thursday after being unable to spend wages paid in the new notes. Elite troops loyal to the President crushed the riots mercilessly, leaving the streets littered with bodies, and there have been skirmishes between rival army units since then.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments