DRC: Why new PM has delayed appointing cabinet

Author: Josephine Kalembe

• 2024-05-17 05:40:00

Appointed on April 1 by Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi to head the executive, Judith Suminwa Tuluka is yet to announce the vast country's cabinet. Former Prime Minister Sama Lukonde and his outgoing government, though working with reduced prerogatives, continue to “manage current affairs”, although they technically resigned in February.

In December 2023, Tshisekedi won a second term. The opposition branded the ballot a sham. 

Tshisekedi first became president in 2019 promising to improve living conditions in DRC, and put an end to the decades’ long bloodshed especially in the east. But he failed to keep his promises though he campaigned for a second term, and won. Now, his new prime minister and his cabinet which is yet to be establishedwill be tasked with pushing the president’s new priorities. The Congolese, meanwhile, hope he could do better.

But, first things first. Five months after the December 2023 general election, there is still no new government in Kinshasa. So, why the hold up?

Suminwa’s appointment was criticized by many because of her lack of political skills, yet she has been tasked to form a new government in a coalition formed between the President's party, UDPS, and hundreds of political parties.

The UDPS, which won the majority in the legislative elections of December 2023, imposed that the premiership be given to one of its members, hence Suminwa’s appointment.

In addition, the new prime minister has known the presidential couple for several years and gets on well with the first lady. Thus, her appointment did not come as a surprise to many in Kinshasa.

Cleary, this nepotism is the cause of the delay in forming a new government. Sources in Kinshasa revealed that Suminwa is carefully handpicking Tshisekedi’s circle to be in his government. These individuals will be expected to support Tshisekedi’s antics without challenging him, especially when it comes to bringing peace to eastern DRC.

Following her appointment, the economist and former planning minister declared that her first priority would be to tackle the security crisis in eastern DRC. This raised some hope to many Congolese. But if she has failed to form a strong government that will tackle insecurity, how will the crisis be solved?

As the new prime minister is now busy putting together her own team, will she advise Tshisekedi to end war and engage in dialogue to solve the security crisis which has escalated since late 2021?

As Kinshasa delays to form a new government, it is clear that Tshisekedi is handpicking people who will be under his control, and not challenge his decisions that have been heavily criticized by Congolese opposition leaders.