KINSHASA, – Democratic Republic of Congo created new senior defence and reconstruction posts in a new government named on Sunday, but other key portfolios such as mines and finance were unchanged, state television said.

A decree from President Joseph Kabila read out on TV named a new defence minister and created a new post of deputy prime minister for defence and security, bolstering the focus on security on a day eastern rebels launched a fresh offensive.

Mutombo Bakafua Nsenda, previously justice minister, was named deputy prime minister for defence and security, while the former transport minister, Charles Mwando Simba, was appointed defence minister.

The reshuffle was triggered by the resignation last month of Prime Minister Antoine Gizenga.

Gizenga, who stepped down shortly before his 83rd birthday, had been named prime minister two years ago after Congo’s first free elections in more than 40 years, in which he backed Kabila in a presidential run-off after coming third in the first round.

Adolphe Muzito, who was budget minister in Gizenga’s the previous cabinet and is a member of Gizenga’s Unified Lumumbist Party (PALU), was appointed prime minister on Oct. 10 but negotiations to form the new cabinet have dragged on.

The number of ministries rose to 37 from 33, partly due to the separation of portfolios previously such as foreign affairs and cooperation, which are now two separate ministries. Eight ministers in total remained in the same jobs.

FOCUS ON SECURITY, RECONSTRUCTION

Francois-Joseph Nzanga Mobutu, son of late dictator Mobutu Sese Seko and agriculture minister in Gizenga’s cabinet, was named deputy prime minister for social needs.

Emile Bongeli, previously communications minister, was named deputy prime minister for reconstruction, a potentially important role in a country devastated by a 1998-2003 war that dragged six foreign armies into a fight over Congo’s mineral riches.

Congo has been carrying out a review of its contracts with firms which mine cobalt, copper, gold, diamonds and other minerals, including many contracts signed during the fighting.

Publication of the results of the review has been put on hold pending the appointment of the new government.

Mines Minister Martin Kabwelulu, as well as his powerful deputy Victor Kasongo, retained their posts.

Despite the official end of the war in 2003, fighting in parts of Congo’s lawless east has continued apace as an array of rebel groups and armed militia from Congo and neighbouring states vie for territory and lucrative mineral resources.

Congolese Tutsi rebels launched a new offensive in the eastern North Kivu province early on Sunday, defying a demand from the U.N. Security Council that they lay down their arms.

Heavy artillery fire echoed around hills where the rebels attacked government positions and captured, for the first time in the latest conflict, the headquarters of Virunga National Park, home to 200 of the world’s 700 mountain gorillas.

Around 100,000 civilians have fled their homes in North Kivu since a flimsy January peace deal collapsed in August. Congo’s 1998-2003 war and resulting humanitarian disaster have killed an estimated 5.4 million people, most through hunger and disease.

Reuters AlertNet