Congo's new president does not call all the shots

I think there may be some confusion here!

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has had several presidents since its independence from Belgium in 1960. The current president is Félix Tshisekedi, who took office in January 2019.

While the president of the DRC is the head of state and government, the country's political system is complex and has multiple centers of power. The president is not the sole decision-maker, and there are various institutions and actors that influence the country's politics.

Here are a few examples:

  1. The National Assembly: The DRC has a bicameral legislature, with a National Assembly (Assemblée nationale) and a Senate. The National Assembly has 500 members, who are elected by proportional representation for a five-year term. The president of the National Assembly is the second-highest authority in the country, after the president.
  2. The Prime Minister: The president appoints a prime minister, who is responsible for implementing the president's policies and overseeing the government. The prime minister is also the head of government and is responsible for appointing ministers.
  3. The Government: The government is composed of various ministries, each responsible for a specific sector or area of policy. The ministers are appointed by the president, but they are also accountable to the National Assembly.
  4. The Military: The DRC has a large and complex military, with various branches and units. While the president is the commander-in-chief, the military is also influenced by various factions and interests.
  5. International actors: The DRC is a significant player in regional and international affairs, and its politics are influenced by various international actors, including the United Nations, the African Union, and neighboring countries.

In summary, while the president of the DRC has significant powers, the country's political system is complex and has multiple centers of power. The president does not have absolute authority, and various institutions and actors influence the country's politics.