An opposition member in the DRC abandons activism for a job at the African Bank

DRC President Felix Tshisekedi has appointed a senior opposition representative to a position at the African Development Bank, thus forcing him to abandon his political activities.

Freddy Matungulu of the Lamuka Coalition, who has always staged demonstrations against Tshisekedi's predecessor Joseph Kabila's long and iron-fisted regime, confirmed Friday that he had been offered the prestigious post.

"It pleased the head of state to appoint me to badume the DRC's mandate," said the former economist, who also worked at the World Bank.

The Bank will have to officially approve its application.

"I responded favorably to his call," Matungulu said, expressing his "gratitude" for this "act of conviviality".

The retired World Bank official said that he "was now keeping a distance from my activism, including Lamuka."

Social media have been inundated with speculation from ordinary Congolese citizens that it is in a way to dismantle Lamuka.

The coalition considers Tshisekedi a puppet of Kabila. It has only four of the six original co-leaders, all of whom are heavyweights in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The remaining leaders of Lamuka are now Martin Fayulu, who claims victory in the December elections won by Tshisekedi; Moise Katumbi – the powerful former governor of the Katanga region, rich in minerals; Jean-Pierre Bemba, former vice president and former warlord and former Prime Minister Adolphe Muzito.