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SV PAN EXTERIOR: Zaire's President Mobutu Sese Seko drives up and walks up steps of People's Palace
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GV PAN INTERIOR: Mobutu entering hall
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SV: Mobutu seated signing documents
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SV: Military official signing document and saluting Mobutu
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SV: Official watching.
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SV: Officials signing documents while others watch. (3 shots)
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7.
SV: Magistrates watching.
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8.
GV: Woman official walking up to table and signing document
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GV AND SCU: Magistrate walking up to table and signing document. (2 shots)
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Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: Zaire's President Mobutu Sese Seko has stepped down as Defence Minister, sacked thirteen other Ministers and barred members of his new cabinet from engaging in private business. The reshuffle, which filters through all levels of the administration, comes in the wake of allegations of mismanagement and fraud made against six cabinet ministers, nine other heads of departments, as well as various directors of state enterprises.

SYNOPSIS: On Thursday, (22 January) President Mobutu arrived at Kinshaha's People's Palace to receive the oath of allegiance from the members of his reshuffled administration. The ceremony was necessary after the president changed the wording of the oath to include a bar on any commercial activities to be carried out by members of the cabinet.

The accompanying administration shake-up meant thirteen ministers lost their portfolios nine others -- including Premier Bobliko Lokonga and Foreign Minister Nguza Karl I Bond kept their jobs.

The reshuffle follows investigations into misconduct carried out by a parliamentary commission. A number of directors of state enterprises recently were called before parliament to answer charges of mismanagement or fraud. Subsequently, all charges were dismissed.

The judicial system, too, was reorganised. The new office of Attorney General will fall under the Justice Ministry, created to replace the old Judicial Council.

Zaire has been battling to recover financial equilibrium, after years of alleged corruption, unwise spending and economic misfortune. Western leaders have offered to pick up the debt but are demanding extensive reform in return. A deal is still under negotiation.