CONSULTATIONS TO FORM NEW CONGO GOVERNMENT

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30919, 27 November 1965, Page 15

CONSULTATIONS TO FORM NEW CONGO GOVERNMENT

(N.Z.P.A. Reuter—Copyright)

LEOPOLDVILLE, Nov. 26. I lurried consultations on the formation of a new Congolese Government began today after the deposing of President Joseph Kasavubu by army leaders.

Colonel Leonard Mulamba, the new Prime Minister appointed after yesterday’s bloodless coup, began talks with representatives of the 21 Congo provinces. General Joseph Mobutu, the new President who led the revolt, issued a decree yesterday saying each of the provinces and the federal district of Leopoldville will be represented in a new national union government. He said it w-ould be formed by tomorrow and passed to Parliament for approval. Five-Year Rule General Mobutu said he had seized power because of a debilitating feud between President Kasavubu and the former Prime Minister. Mr Moise

iTshombe, who was forced to I resign last month. I The new President said he ; would rule the country for • the next fivg years. i The speed of the pre-dawn ; maneuvre stunned LeopoldI ville. The city remained 'calm although soldiers armed

with machine-guns stood guard at Parliament as a 10point declaration announcing an emergency government was read. This is the second time in just over five years that Genera! Mobutu has overthrown President Kasavubu.

He handed the reins back after a similar move in i 960. The coup declaration contained the signatures of 14 top army officers. It contained a number of constitutional changes to give legal effect to General Mobutu’s assumption of the Presidency. After earlier welcoming the take-over, Mr Tshombe lost his optimism and said it was too early to say whether he was interested in joining the new government if he was offered a place. General Mobutu, who is aged 35, is a staunch antiCommunist and African moderate.

Reaction among diplomats and observers was that he did not aim to help any ol the political groups.