In a historic move for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Judith Tuluka Suminwa was appointed as the head of government on Monday, April 1st.
“I know the task is great, the challenges are immense, but together (…) we will succeed,” declared the newly appointed Prime Minister, stepping into her role amidst a complex security situation, notably the ongoing conflict in the eastern part of the country. She represents a significant hope for women, as explained by Marie-Noël Anatone, a civil society leader in the Ituri province, in an interview with Paulina Zidi of the Africa desk.
“For us, it’s a sigh of relief as women. As a mother and a homemaker, she understands the difficulties faced by women in the East. Women and girls in the East are subjected to violence and marginalization. We truly believe that as a mother and a woman, she will keep an eye on the East. Our message to her is to first congratulate her and ask her to prove her leadership. Given her past contributions in various ministries and structures, we congratulate her and urge her to work tirelessly, to collaborate for the country’s development, and to ensure the security of our nation, especially in the Eastern region where we face many aggressions.”
Breaking Free from Party Pressures
This appointment sends a strong message from the president to his people, according to Giscard Kusema, Deputy Director of Communications at the presidency, speaking to Paulina Zidi. For Félix Tshisekedi, it was also a way to break free from party pressures. “The President wanted, first and foremost, to rid himself of the political burdens imposed by party leaders. Looking closely at Mrs. Judith Suminwa’s profile, we realize that she is indeed an early supporter of UDPS, her party, but she is not the leader of a party or a political alliance; she was also not a candidate in the last elections. Therefore, without political calculations, she is, in principle, predisposed to focus on her work as head of government.”
Catholic Church Criticizes Political Excesses
However, for the Congolese Catholic Church, which has repeatedly criticized the financial burden of political institutions and the plethora of government members, this appointment is a non-event. Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, Archbishop of Kinshasa, who has already criticized the delayed appointment three months after the elections, hopes that the formation of the government will not be further delayed.