Congo names new prime minister

KINSHASA, Congo

Friday, 10 October 2008 21:32:27

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Congo's President Joseph Kabila named a new prime minister following the resignation of 83-year-old Antoine Gizenga.

Gizenga resigned last month saying he was too old to continue serving. A decree read on state-run TV Friday announced that Kabila had named Adolphe Muzito in his place.

Muzito is from the same party as Gizenga, the Unified Lumumbist Party, or PALU. The party created a crucial alliance with Kabila during the country's 2006 presidential race, helping Kabila win the presidency.

In return, Kabila agreed the prime minister would be appointed from the ranks of the PALU party.