DRC appoints its first-ever female prime minister as violence surges in country’s east

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s former planning minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka has been appointed as the African nation’s first-ever female prime minister amid worsening security and humanitarian situation in the country’s east.
Suminwa was appointed on Monday (1 April) by DRC’s President Felix Tshisekedi, who sought to fulfill his campaign promise and make an important step towards the formation of a new government after being reelected last December. An economist, she takes over as prime minister from Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde, promising in her first speech following her appointment to work for peace and development of the country. Still, observers point out it could be months before a new government is formed as the process requires intensive negotiations with the many political parties.
Judith Suminwa Tuluka will assume the new role amid escalating violence in the country’s mineral-rich eastern regions, where a long-running conflict has displaced more than 7 million people, creating one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, according to the United Nations. “My thoughts go out to the east and to all corners of the country, which today are facing conflicts with enemies who are sometimes hidden,” she said, referring to the conflict that involves more than 120 armed groups seeking a share of the region’s gold and other resources. “I’m thinking of all these people, and my heart goes out to them.” The worsening security situation particularly in North Kivu province underscores the challenges faced by the country in achieving stability and peace.