Congo president chooses new prime minister from opposition

KINSHASA, Congo – Congo's president has chosen a new prime minister from an opposition party as part of his plan to create a coalition government instead of holding elections before the end of the year.

The new prime minister, Samy Badibanga, was appointed Thursday by presidential order and comes from the same party as longtime opposition figure Etienne Tshisekedi.

Badibanga took part in talks with President Joseph Kabila's government in October even though his opposition party had boycotted them.

Kabila's second term in office expires next month, but Congo's courts have ruled that the election can be delayed and Kabila can stay in power until a new leader is chosen.

A deal reached last month calls for the vote to be held in April 2018, though the largest opposition party rejected it.