Felly Kimenyi And Agencies
27 September 2008
Kigali — Democratic Republic of Congo's Prime Minister, Antoine Gizenga tendered in his resignation to President Joseph Kabila yesterday.
According to reports, the ailing veteran politician cited ill health as the reason for his resignation from a post he has held for less than two years.
"For all men, however tough the spirit could be good, the body has its own limits which need to be considered that's why I have decided today to present my resignation of this post to the President of the Republic," said Gizenga in a televised message.
Gizenga, the leader of the Lumumbist Party (PALU), was appointed Prime Minister following a deal with Kabila whom he promised his Party's support in exchange for the premiership.
The deal emerged after Gizenga emerged third in the 2006 presidential elections and his party backed Kabila during his run-off with arch rival Jean Pierre Bemba.
Rumors about this resignation have been prevailing for a long period and the Congolese parliament was, according to reports, planning to pass a vote of no confidence following his failure to revamp the vast country's devastated economy.
The 83-year old politician came into the limelight when he became Deputy Premier in 1960 at a time when Patrice Lumumba was head of government. He later succeeded him following his assassination a year later.
His resignation comes at a time when the DRC is marred by internal conflicts especially in the eastern part where President Kabila's government is being fought by Gen Laurent Nkunda who revolted against the tribalistic prejudices.
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I always wonder why Rwanda and their news agencies enjoy writting in international papers about DRC,especially negative things, dont they have local news which they would like the world to know if any. if they dont write about DRC it is like the world has gone dark, this is not just in international papers even in their local news papers. please mind your own business.