KINSHASA (Reuters) – The President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Felix Tshisekedi, made a historic appointment on Monday by naming the country’s first female prime minister. Judith Suminwa, who previously served as planning minister, has been chosen to take on this important role.
This appointment comes after weeks of uncertainty following Tshisekedi’s inauguration for a second term in January. The process of forming a majority coalition in the National Assembly was necessary before a prime minister could be selected and a new government could be established.
“I am aware of the great responsibility,” Suminwa stated in a televised address. “We will work towards peace and the development of the country.”
The government in Congo is confronted with a range of challenges, including a deteriorating conflict and humanitarian crisis in the eastern regions, as well as the management of the country’s significant mineral wealth.
During his first term, Tshisekedi made promises to combat widespread corruption, revive the economy, address social inequalities, and tackle insecurity in the eastern part of the country. However, critics argue that he fell short in delivering on these commitments.
(Additional reporting by Sonia RolleyWriting by Alessandra Prentice; Editing by Alexandra Hudson)
