Stamp of Authority: The Tale of Rubber-Stamp Parliaments

in the early years of Mobutu's rule, when he systematically dismantled the country's political structures to consolidate power. In 1967, Mobutu established the Mouvement Populaire de la Révolution (MPR) as the sole legal political party, effectively making the state and the party indistinguishable.  aimed at consolidating power.

The establishment of the MPR as the only legal party had profound implications for the Congolese parliament. The National Assembly, theoretically the legislative body, became merely a rubber-stamp institution for Mobutu's decisions. Members of the parliament were either appointed by Mobutu or were staunch loyalists, ensuring that no legislation could be passed without his explicit approval.

One emblematic moment of this period was the frequent occurrence of "extraordinary sessions" of the National Assembly, which were often convened not to debate and legislate on matters of national importance but to endorse decisions already made by Mobutu and his inner circle. The parliament's role was reduced to legitimizing the autocratic rule, with no real power or independence to challenge or influence governance.

The situation in the DRC during Mobutu's reign highlights the detrimental effects of a weakened parliament in a centralized autocracy. It underscores the importance of strong, independent legislative bodies in maintaining checks and balances within a government, ensuring accountability, and fostering democratic governance. Mobutu's rule left a legacy of political instability and weakened institutions in the DRC, from which the country has been striving to recover in the subsequent years.

This scenario is mirrored in the contemporary political landscape of Somalia under President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Similar to Mobutu's era, the Somali parliament has been criticized for its lack of independence and its role as a rubber-stamp for executive decisions. Reports of President Hassan Sheikh's attempts to change the country's constitution without a broad consensus reflect a troubling trend towards the centralization of power, reminiscent of Mobutu's tactics. The Somali parliament, much like its Congolese counterpart during Mobutu's rule, appears to be sidelined in critical national decision-making processes, with its primary function being to ratify the executive's directives.

President Hasan, underscores the importance of fostering a strong, independent parliament capable of providing checks and balances to the executive's power, ensuring democratic governance, and upholding the principles of accountability and transparency. The experiences of both nations highlight the critical need for institutional reforms that bolster parliamentary autonomy, encouraging a more vibrant and participatory democracy.