Democratic Republic of Congo’s President Felix Tshisekedi has appointed the country’s first ever female prime minister, naming planning minister, Ms Judith Suminwa Tuluka to the role.
Her appointment ends weeks of uncertainty. Tshisekedi’s inauguration for a second term in January kickstarted a lengthy search for a majority coalition in the National Assembly, a key step before a prime minister could be named and a government formed.
“I am aware of the great responsibility but with the support of the president and that of everyone, we will get there … We will work for peace and the development of the country,” Suminwa said on national television.
Her appointment follows a lengthy search for a majority coalition in the National Assembly, a key step before a prime minister could be named and a government formed. Tuluka is expected to name a new cabinet in the coming weeks.
The prime minister heads the government, which is also composed of ministers and deputy ministers. The ruling Union for Democracy and Social Progress party secured the majority position beating the other 44 parties.
The authorities face a raft of challenges including a worsening conflict and humanitarian crisis in eastern regions and the management of Congo’s considerable mineral wealth. In his first term, Tshisekedi promised to root out endemic corruption, rebuild the economy, tackle deep inequalities and curb the eastern insecurity, but critics say he fell short on all counts.
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