Judith Suminwa Tuluka: The First Female PM of DR Congo

President Felix Tshisekedi of the African country of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) appointed Judith Suminwa Tuluka as the nation’s first female prime minister on 1 April 2024. During his election campaign, President Felix Tshisekedi promised greater gender equality in the country, and this appointment is seen as a part of the fulfilment of his election promise.

Judith Suminwa Tuluka's appointment as the Prime Minister came after President Tshisekedi was sworn in as the country's president for a second five-year term in January 2024.

However, according to experts, the appointment of the Judith Suminwa Tuluka Prime Minister would not quickly lead to the formation of a government in the country. The formation of a new government will still take months as it requires consultation and bargaining with political parties.

According to the Congo’s constitution, the President shares power with the Prime Minister and appoints a member of the largest legislative party.

After assuming the office Prime Minister Tuluka took a pledge to bring peace and development in the conflict-ridden eastern provinces.  She also expressed her deep concern for the people displaced by the ongoing violence and reaffirmed her commitment to finding sustainable solutions to the crisis.

Crisis In the Democratic Republic of Congo 

The Democratic Republic of Congo is rich in natural resources and precious minerals like industrial-grade diamonds, cobalt, uranium, and copper. However, the country has been marked by instability and violence. Various militant groups operate in the country and compete to control its territory and natural resources. 

The eastern province of Congo, which shares a boundary with Rwanda, is the most trouble-prone region marred with violence and instability. Congo also has tense relations with its neighbouring country, Rwanda. It accuses the Rwandan government of supporting militia groups, the March 23 Movement (M23) operating in Congo. The continuous instability and fighting in the country have led to the killing of a large number of civilians. According to the United Nations, 6.9 million people have been displaced in Congo due to continued fighting.

Democratic Republic of Congo 

 Democratic Republic of Congo is a Central African country. It is the second-largest country in Africa after Algeria.

Congo gained its independence from Belgium in 1960.

In 1971, the country was named the Republic of Zaire. In 1997, it was again renamed the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Its capital, Kinshasa, is situated along the Congo River. 

The Congo River is the second longest river in Africa after the Nile. 

The Congo River is the only river in the world which crosses the equator twice.

Currency of Congo: Congo franc

President of Congo: Felix Tshisekedi