DR Congo’s Prime Minister, Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde, has tendered his resignation, opting to focus on his duties as an elected member of parliament. His decision, communicated to President Felix Tshisekedi, has prompted the dissolution of the entire government.
However, President Tshisekedi has requested Mr. Lukonde to continue managing current affairs until the appointment of a new government, considering the prevailing situation in the country.
Despite the resignation, certain restrictions have been imposed on Mr. Lukonde and his team, including the suspension of service missions, financial commitments, and recruitment activities.
Mr. Lukonde, aged 46, served as Prime Minister for three years, appointed in February 2021 following a coalition rift between former President Joseph Kabila and President Tshisekedi.
His resignation is in compliance with the legal requirement in DR Congo that serving ministers cannot concurrently hold parliamentary seats. As a result, 39 government ministers who were recently elected as members of parliament will serve for the next five years.
President Tshisekedi is now tasked with forming a new government for his second term, with some of the resigning ministers expected to be part of the new team, given their affiliation with the parliamentary majority.
Unlike his previous term, President Tshisekedi is anticipated to face minimal opposition, with his coalition projected to hold a significant majority in parliament. Opposition parties, including that of Moise Katumbi and Martin Fayulu, who boycotted the elections, are unlikely to pose a substantial challenge.