DRC’s First Female Prime Minister Takes Office – Updated
President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo made history on Monday April 1st, by appointing the nation’s first-ever female prime minister, Judith Suminwa, to the role.
This landmark appointment follows weeks of uncertainty, initiated by Tshisekedi’s inauguration for a second term in January. The process entailed a lengthy search for a majority coalition in the National Assembly, a prerequisite for naming a prime minister and forming a government.
Expressing her gratitude and acknowledging the weight of her new role, Suminwa stated on national television, “I am aware of the great responsibility… We will work for peace and the development of the country.”
The authorities in Congo are confronted with numerous challenges, including escalating conflict and humanitarian crises in eastern regions, as well as the management of the nation’s vast mineral wealth.
During his initial term, President Tshisekedi pledged to combat endemic corruption, revive the economy, address deep-seated inequalities, and tackle insecurity in the east. However, critics argue that he fell short on these objectives.
A technocrat and member of the presidential party Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS), Suminwa brings a wealth of experience to her new role.
She holds a degree in Applied Economic Sciences from the Catholic University Faculties of Mons in Belgium, as well as a degree in accounting from the School of Promotion and Continuing Education (EPFC) in Brussels.
Suminwa’s professional journey began with aspirations to become a doctor or join the army. However, she redirected her path towards economics with the goal of working in banking.
After completing her education in Belgium, she retuned to the DRC in 1997, eager to contribute to the country’s development.
Her career includes roles with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), where she worked on projects focused on army and police reform in the Comoros Islands.
She later transitioned to public administration, serving in various capacities focused on public finance reform and governance strengthening.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Suminwa remained at the Presidency of the Republic as Deputy Coordinator of the Presidential Council for Strategic Awareness.
She was then appointed Minister of State, Minister of Planning, before ultimately assuming the role of Prime Minister.
With her expertise in governance and budget management, Suminwa is poised to support President Félix Tshisekedi in achieving the objectives of his second term.
All eyes are on this pioneering leader as she takes on the responsibilities of leading the central government of the DRC.
