In the early hours of Wednesday, spokesperson Tina Salama announced that the Democratic Republic of Congo has appointed a new government, ending months of political uncertainty.
Despite delays caused by internal jostling for positions, President Felix Tshisekedi, who secured a second term in late 2023 elections, named Judith Suminwa as Congo’s first female prime minister on April 1.
He also appointed his ex-chief of staff Vital Kamerhe as parliament speaker on May 22. These appointments paved the way for the formation of the new cabinet.
The new cabinet, which comprises 54 ministers, is smaller than the previous government’s 57 ministers. However, it’s a downsizing that was smaller than expected, despite pressure to reduce costs.
In a broadcast on state broadcaster RTNC, Salama announced Guy Kabombo Muadiamvita’s appointment as defence minister, a crucial role given Congo’s recent conflict with the M23 rebel group in eastern territories.
Muadiamvita, a trained lawyer, previously served as head of Congo’s official gazette. Doudou Fwamba Likunde was appointed as finance minister, while Kizito Pakabomba was tasked with overseeing the mines ministry and Congo’s significant mineral reserves, including coltan, copper, and others.
Referring to the delay forming a government, the president’s communications director Erik Nyindu said it took time for the different parties in the ruling coalition to find a compromise.
“Better that than a country full of conflict,” he said on RTNC.
Tshisekedi formed his first government when he was elected in 2019. It was a coalition with his predecessor Joseph Kabila that broke up in 2021.
Tshisekedi then formed another coalition.
Since the last election in December, the Sacred Union has held around 95% of National Assembly seats.
