Africa

DR Congo President Tshisekedi names new government after months of delay

Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi raises his hand as he is sworn into office during his inauguration ceremony in Kinshasa January 24, 2024. (Photo: CNS photo/Olivia Acland, Reuters)

By Mwangi Maina | Wednesday, May 29, 2024

Internal wrangling over ministerial positions delayed the formation of the cabinet.

In the early hours of Wednesday, the Democratic Republic of Congo announced the appointment of a new government, ending months of political uncertainty.

President Felix Tshisekedi secured a second term in late 2023, along with a significant majority for his Sacred Union coalition in parliament.

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However, internal wrangling over ministerial positions delayed the formation of the cabinet.

Prime Minister Judith Suminwa became Congo's first female prime minister on April 1, with Vital Kamerhe, the president's ex-chief of staff, appointed parliament speaker on May 22, paving the way for the government's formation.

The new cabinet, comprising 54 ministers, is slightly smaller than the previous one, despite pressure to reduce costs.

Among the key appointments include Guy Kabombo Muadiamvita who was named defence minister, succeeding Jean-Pierre Bemba, who was reassigned to Transport.

Patrick Muyaya was reappointed as Government spokesperson and communications minister, while Doudou Fwamba Likunde and Kizito Pakabomba were appointed as finance minister and mines minister respectively.

The delay in forming the government was attributed to negotiations among the ruling coalition parties.

President Tshisekedi, who formed his first government in 2019 in a coalition with Joseph Kabila, had to navigate through political complexities after the coalition dissolved in 2021.

Despite these challenges, the Sacred Union has maintained a dominant position in the National Assembly since the last election in December, holding around 95 per cent of the seats.