In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), it appears to be a case of 'tit for tat'. Yesterday, Tuesday January 21, the president of the National Assembly, Jeanine Mabunda, corrected President Félix Tshisekedi over his remarks from January 19. On Sunday evening, the head of state had said he was ready—before his supporters—to dissolve the lower chamber, dominated by supporters of former president Joseph Kabila, in the event of a crisis. The president of the Assembly warns him seriously.

With our correspondent in Kinshasa, Pascal Mulegwa

This was supposed to be a traditional New Year ceremony. A simple exchange between the press and Jeanine Mabunda. In response to a question, the president of the National Assembly launched into a course in constitutional law: "My colleague from the Senate and I reminded him—on January 13 last during an audience in Kinshasa—of the ratio legis of article 148."

A "persistent crisis" is required...

"One must not throw the articles of the Constitution to the wolves over misunderstandings or disagreements, Ms. Mabunda continues. Article 148 does indeed speak of dissolving the National Assembly, but only in specific cases. There are conditions. There must be a persistent crisis between the government and the lower house of parliament. Which for now is not the case since the government's program and budget were passed beyond our own parliamentary majority."

For the president of the National Assembly, "according to the provisions of this article, moreover, the president of the Republic is invited in the event of such a crisis to consult the Prime Minister, the president of the National Assembly, and the president of the Senate before any decision. Failing which, one would be in violation of the text. And this violation is governed by article 165 of the Constitution which states that anyone who disregards our fundamental law may be exposed to charges of high treason for intentional violation of the Constitution. I am merely citing articles. I am not taking a position," Ms. Mabunda continues.

An "indecent" debate?

The debate "may seem indecent," she thunders moreover against the quarrels: "Our internal, intestinal, and sterile political quarrels must give way to what is essential. What is essential, for me today... Congolese people are suffering with regard to Beni, with regard to the threat of balkanization."

Also with regard, she notes, to the exchange rate which has gone from 1,600 Congolese francs (FC) a year ago to 1,750 FC today. All of these statements were made in the absence of her deputy, Jean-Marc Kabund, who heads the ruling party, the UDPS. According to several local media outlets, he boycotted the ceremony.

►DRC: Félix Tshisekedi warns his FCC allies