DR Congo: President Tshisekedi appoints first female prime minister
President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has named planning minister Judith Suminwa as the country’s first female prime minister.
Her appointment marks the end of weeks of political uncertainty.
Tshisekedi’s second-term inauguration in January sparked a lengthy quest for a majority alliance in the National Assembly, a necessary step before naming a prime minister and forming a government.
While reacting to her appointment, the new Prime Minister said on national television that she’s aware of the great responsibility before her while promising to work for peace and the development of the country.
DR Congo is facing a worsening conflict and humanitarian crisis in the eastern region.
President Tshisekedi promised in his first term to eradicate endemic corruption, develop the economy, address profound inequities, and reduce eastern insecurity, but opponents alleged he failed on all fronts.
Over 6 million people are estimated to be displaced in the eastern DRC, making this the worst displacement crisis in Africa and among the top three globally, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF.
Recall that the Southern African Development Community (SADC) recently dispatched its peacekeeping mission to the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) on December 15 to assist the Congolese government in restoring peace and security in the east, where rival clashes have been raging.
The regional block deployed the mission with a mandate to support the Congolese army in its fight against armed rebel groups, including the notorious M23.
