By AFPMore by this AuthorKINSHASADR Congo’s president Thursday named an opposition lawmaker as prime minister under a controversial power-sharing deal that effectively extends President Joseph Kabila’s term in office. Samy Badibanga will be the country’s next prime minister, according to a presidential decree read on state television. The deal was , which emerged followed a “national dialogue”, aimed to calm soaring political tensions but will extend Kabila’s term to at least late 2017. DIALOGUEThe bulk of Kabila’s political foes have formed a “Gathering” around the opposition Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS) party founded by veteran Etienne Tshisekedi. The country has been in a state of crisis since disputed elections in 2011 returned Kabila to office for a second term.

Source: Daily Nation November 17, 2016 15:33 UTC