KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sept. 30 (UPI) -- Former rebel groups in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have been authorized to function as political parties.
DRC Minister of the Interior, Decentralization and National Security Theophile Mbemba made the announcement during a news conference in Kinshasa.
Mbemba said groups now party to a two-year power-sharing government of national unity will be authorized to operate as political parties while awaiting such a law to be enacted by the National Assembly.
But the United Nations Integrated Regional Information Networks said Mbemba insisted political parties other than the 234 that were recognized by the former government of President Joseph Kabila would also have to register with his ministry, and provide a copy of their charters and a list of their director members.
In 1990, the Congo had more than 400 recognized political parties.
Among the regulations is a requirement that permission to hold a public meeting must be requested five days in advance of the meeting.
