/ 7 April 2003

Kabila sworn in as head of DRC govt

President Joseph Kabila of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Monday took the oath of office as head of a transitional government aimed at restoring peace and democracy in the vast central African country, riven by four years of war.

President Joseph Kabila of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Monday took the oath of office as head of a transitional government aimed at restoring peace and democracy in the vast central African country, riven by four years of war.

Kabila was sworn in on DRC’s new constitution, which had been drawn up by delegates from government, rebel movements, militias, civil society and the political opposition at long-running peace talks which ended last week, and promulgated by Kabila on Friday.

Under the new constitution, Kabila, as president of the interim government, will enjoy all the prerogatives of head of state, including that of being able to rule by decree.

Kabila will also head the follow-up committee, tasked with ensuring that all parties to the peace pact finalised last week in South Africa abide by it, and with ironing out any differences that might arise over the historic agreement. – Sapa-AFP