GIZENGA’S REMOVAL

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29724, 18 January 1962, Page 13

GIZENGA’S REMOVAL

Government Decision

(N.Z. Press Assn.—Copyright) LEOPOLDVILLE

(Congo), January 17.

Mr Antoine Gizenga has been removed from his post as Deputy Prime Minister in the Congolese Government, the Prime Minister (Mr Cyrille Adoula) announced yesterday. Legal proceedings would be started against Mr Gizenga as leader of the Stanleyville rebellion, Mr Adoula said, according to the Associated Press.

Mr Adoula told reporters that the Deputy Prime Minister would be held “under protection,” until the courts decided what should be done with him. He expected to appoint a replacement for the Lumumbist leader in the Government. He would not rule out the possibility that an associate of President Tshombe might be named, the agency said. Mr Adoula said that at present, Government troops had placed Mr Gizenga under their protection by throwing a security cordon around his residence. He said in reply to questions this was to prevent the angry crowds of Stanleyville from attacking him and causing further bloodshed.

Mr Gizenga, Premier of Orientale Province, is a supporter of the Left-wing policies of the late Central Government Prime Minister, Mr Patrice Lumumba. In an effort to reconcile two of the leading Congolese factions he was appointed Deputy Prims Minister of the Central Government, but he did mt ever take up office in the position.