Kasongo Ilunga
Andre Kasongo Ilunga | |
|---|---|
| Minister of Foreign Trade | |
| In office 5 February 2007 – 28 May 2007[1] | |
| Preceded by | None |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 20 October 1972 Democratic Republic of Congo |
| Political party | UNAFEC |
| Occupation | Vice-president of UNAFEC |
| As this politician is not confirmed to actually exist, many of the above are disputed. | |
Andre Kasongo Ilunga (allegedly born 20 October 1972)
Under government rules, a party must provide a short list of at least two candidates for any ministerial role, with the Prime Minister making the final choice from the list.[3] The only two candidates put forward for the Foreign Trade post were Kasongo Ilunga and Kisimba Ngoy, with the list being compiled by Kisimba himself. However, Kisimba had been a vocal supporter of Mobutu Sese Seko,[3] someone whom Antoine Gizenga had once strongly opposed, likely causing him to choose the unknown Ilunga over Kisimba. Kisimba denied these charges, claiming that Ilunga later declined the role for personal reasons, and that he had sent a signed letter to the Prime Minister tendering his resignation. Despite this, Gizenga refused to accept the resignation unless Ilunga resigned in person.[4]
Kasongo Ilunga is a common name in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and at least three people claimed to be him.
References
- ^ "Le gouvernement Gizenga affiche complet : le ministre du Commerce extérieur a été nommé lundi". 29 May 2007. Archived from the original on 30 September 2007. Retrieved 18 November 2011.
- ^ die tageszeitung. 20 February 2007.
- ^ a b c d "Congo's "phantom minister" tarnishes new cabinet". Reuters South Africa. 2 March 2007. Archived from the original on 18 January 2006. Retrieved 3 March 2007.
- ^ BBC. "DRC sacking over 'ghost minister'". 4 March 2007. Retrieved on 19 May 2013.
- ^ Rice, Xan (3 March 2007). "Imaginary minister joins cabinet". The Guardian.