Africa

DR Congo swears in first woman Prime Minister Judith Suminwa

Democratic Republic of Congo's Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka. (Photo: DRC Presidency)

By Mwangi Maina | Thursday, June 13, 2024

An economist by profession, Judith Suminwa Tuluka succeeded Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde following President Felix Tshisekedi's re-election on December 20.

Democratic Republic of Congo's first woman Prime Minister was sworn in on Tuesday, alongside 53 other ministers following months of wrangling over positions.

In early April, Judith Suminwa Tuluka was appointed as the DRC's first woman PM.

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An economist by profession, she succeeded Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde following President Felix Tshisekedi's re-election on December 20, where he secured over 70 per cent of the vote—a result disputed by the opposition.

Parties supporting Tshisekedi won more than 90 per cent of the parliamentary seats, giving him a strong legislative mandate.

Erik Nyindu, the President's communications director, noted that the delay in forming a government was due to the ruling coalition parties needing time to reach a compromise.

Suminwa is now charged with advancing the President's priorities, which include employment, youth, women, and national cohesion in a nation of around 100 million people.

Judith Suminwa Tuluka after she was sworn in as the Democratic Republic of Congo's first woman Prime Minister before the National Assembly on June 12, 2024. (Photo:X/SuminwaJudith)

Fairer society

"Our ambition is to build a more united and more secure state in the heart of Africa with a more diversified and competitive economy and achieve a fairer society for sustainable development," Suminwa said when she put forth her programme to lawmakers on June 8.

The estimated cost of the Government Action Programme for the period 2024-2028 stands at $92 billion (€85 billion), or an average annual cost of $18 billion (€17 billion). The project, RGI reported must now be adopted by national deputies.