MPs fire DR Congo economy minister over price hikes

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Before the vote, Jean-Marie Kalumba had blamed hikes in the prices of oil, coal and cereals on the crisis in Ukraine.

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s economy minister is set to leave office after he losing a no-confidence vote in parliament over the soaring cost of living.

Before the vote, Jean-Marie Kalumba had blamed hikes in the prices of oil, coal and cereals on the crisis in Ukraine.

He explained that DR Congo imported 55% of its wheat from Russia and 15% from Ukraine.

Imports had also been affected by the fact that sea-freight costs had risen by 700% in less than a year, he said.

But MPs were having none of it – and the majority voted for his removal less than a year since he took office.

Mr Kalumba is the first member in President Félix Tshisekedi’s cabinet to voted out by parliament. – BBC