DR Congo president appoints country’s 1st female premier

By James Tasamba

KIGALI, Rwanda (AA) - Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi on Monday appointed the country’s first female prime minister, the president’s office announced, ending months of speculation.

Judith Suminwa Tuluka replaces Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde, who resigned in March alongside his entire government team following last December’s general election.

Tuluka served as the planning minister in the previous government.

She is a member of the ruling Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS) party of President Tshisekedi, which won the majority of seats in the December parliamentary election.

She has the task of forming a new government with the various political forces that subscribe to the ruling coalition.

The new government is expected to be formed at a time of intensified fighting in eastern Congo, where large areas in the territories of Rutshuru, Nyiragongo and Masisi have been occupied by M23 rebels. ​​​​​​​