President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has appointed Judith Suminwa Tuluka as the country’s inaugural female prime minister.
Tuluka, a former planning minister, steps into the role following the resignation of Sama Lukonde in February.
During a press conference on Monday, April 1, Tuluka expressed her acknowledgment of the significant challenges ahead while voicing confidence in overcoming them with the support of the president and the nation at large.
“The task is great, and the challenges are immense, but with the support of the president and that of everyone, we will get there,” she said.
Her appointment marks the culmination of an extensive search for a majority coalition within the National Assembly, a crucial prerequisite before the designation of a prime minister and the formation of a new government.
The ruling Union for Democracy and Social Progress party emerged victorious, securing the majority position over 44 other parties.
In her new role, Tuluka is tasked with assembling a new cabinet in the upcoming weeks, a responsibility that carries immense weight as she prepares to lead the government.
The cabinet, comprised of ministers and deputy ministers, will play a role in addressing the pressing issues facing the DRC and advancing the nation’s development agenda.
Also Read: Major General Kiugu Hands Over Instruments After KDF Exit from DRC
About DRC PM, Judith Tuluka Suminwa
Tuluka obtained a master’s degree in applied economics at the Free University of Brussels and a diploma of additional studies in Work in developing countries.
She worked in the banking sector before joining United Nations agencies including the United Nations Development Programme – UNDP, where she was a national expert in a community support project in the east of the country.
She then worked in the Ministry of the Budget before becoming the deputy coordinator of the Presidential Strategic Watch Council (CPVS).
Tuluka was appointed Minister of Planning in the Sama Lukonde government on March 24, 2023.
On 20 February 2024 Lukonde resigned in order to remain a member of the new legislature.
President Tshisekedi asked him and his government to continue to manage current affairs until a new government is formed after the elections.
Also Read: Questions Raised as Uhuru Uses Uganda Airlines Plane on His DRC Trip
Tshisekedi Declared Winner of DR Congo’s Presidential Election
In a contentious announcement on Sunday, December 31, 2023, the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) released the preliminary results of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s highly anticipated presidential election, which took place on December 20.
Incumbent president Félix Tshisekedi emerged victorious with an overwhelming 73.34% of the votes cast, while Moise Katumbi secured 18.03% and Martin Fayulu garnered 5.33%.
However, opposition candidates vehemently called for the cancellation of the elections, asserting that they were the victims of a purported collusion between the electoral commission and the incumbent leader.
