Congo President Tshisekedi has named Judith Suminwa as the new Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo. She is the first woman to hold this position in the country’s history. Suminwa takes over from Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde, who stepped down following legal requirements after winning a parliamentary seat in February. Since March 2023, Suminwa has served as the Minister for Planning.
Her appointment comes after a period of uncertainty following Tshisekedi’s second-term inauguration in January. This marked the start of a lengthy process to form a coalition in the National Assembly before a Prime Minister could be appointed and a government established. Suminwa’s immediate task is to assemble a new government from a coalition between the President’s party and numerous political parties.
The government faces various challenges, including escalating conflict and humanitarian crises in the eastern regions, as well as the management of the country’s abundant mineral resources. Parts of the DRC, particularly in North Kivu in the east, are being taken over by M23 rebels. Urban crime in major cities like Kinshasa also presents a significant challenge.
Additionally, economic difficulties are exacerbated by a sharp decline in the local currency. Speaking on national television, Suminwa acknowledged the weight of her new role, promising to prioritize peace and national development. She expressed solidarity with regions in conflict and emphasized the need for unity to overcome challenges. During his first term, Tshisekedi vowed to address corruption, rebuild the economy, address inequalities, and tackle insecurity in the east, but critics argue that progress has been limited.
Despite not being a prominent figure in Congolese politics until her Minister for Planning appointment in March 2023, Suminwa holds a master’s degree in applied economics from the Université Libre de Bruxelles. Her professional background includes experience in the banking sector and working with United Nations agencies such as the UNDP.
