President Felix Tshisekedi has appointed Judith Suminwa Tuluka as the first female prime minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
According to Africa News, the historic decision satisfies a pledge made by President Tshisekedi during his campaign and is a major step in the direction of gender equality in Congolese politics.
The just-appointed minister, a former planning minister and an economist, takes up her position at a pivotal moment for the country, especially in the war-torn East where violence has been unrelenting for years, forcing millions of civilians to flee their homes amid one of the worst humanitarian crises in history.
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During her inaugural speech, Prime Minister Tuluka committed to emphasizing peace and development efforts, particularly in the conflict-affected eastern provinces.
She also voiced deep concern for people affected by the ongoing violence, reaffirming her commitment to finding long-term solutions to the problem.
According to the publication, her election coincides with the difficult process of building a new government, which is anticipated to result in lengthy negotiations with different political divisions.
Notwithstanding the difficulties that lie ahead, her appointment represents a major turning point in Congolese politics and gives hope for increased inclusivity and representation in the political process.
The situation in eastern Congo remains terrible, with multiple armed factions competing for power, sustaining a cycle of violence and instability. The violence has been difficult to contain for both domestic and international peacekeeping forces, which has made the suffering of the civilian populace even worse.
As Prime Minister Tuluka takes on her new post, she has the arduous task of directing the country toward peace and prosperity amidst daunting circumstances. Her selection marks a watershed moment in Congolese politics, emphasizing the significance of gender equality and women’s empowerment in national leadership.
Before being appointed as minister of planning, economist Tuluka was working for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as a coordinator. An expert in strategy management, budget monitoring and program monitoring and evaluation, Tuluka has a master’s degree in Labour Sciences – Administration and personnel management. She also earned a degree in applied economics and is a graduate of accounting from the School of Promotion and Continuing Education (EPFC) for Brussels.
Tuluka takes over takes over as prime minister from Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde.
