Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi has made history by appointing Judith Tuluka Suminwa as the country’s prime minister, making her the first woman to hold this position in the world’s second-biggest copper producer. Suminwa takes over from Sama Lukonde, who has served as prime minister since 2021.
Prior to her appointment as prime minister, Suminwa held the position of minister of state for planning in the Congolese government. She brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having studied at the Universite Libre de Bruxelles and the Facultes Universitaires Catholiques de Mons. Additionally, Suminwa has worked for various United Nations agencies, contributing to her deep understanding of international affairs and development issues.
Suminwa’s appointment marks a significant milestone for gender equality and women’s representation in leadership positions in the Democratic Republic of Congo. As the first female prime minister, Suminwa’s leadership will be closely watched both domestically and internationally, with expectations high for her to bring fresh perspectives and priorities to the forefront of the country’s governance agenda.
President Tshisekedi’s decision to appoint Suminwa reflects his commitment to promoting gender diversity and inclusivity at the highest levels of government. By breaking barriers and paving the way for women in leadership roles, Tshisekedi aims to foster a more equitable and representative political landscape in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Suminwa’s tenure as prime minister is expected to focus on addressing key challenges facing the country, including economic development, infrastructure improvement, and social welfare initiatives. Her appointment sends a powerful message about the importance of women’s leadership in driving positive change and progress in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.