DR Congo unveils new government following months of political uncertainty

The new Cabinet consists of 54 ministers, a slight reduction from the previous 57.

Prime Minister Judith Sumonwa Tuluka, the country's first female prime minister appointed in early April, leads the new government. Key appointments include Jacquemain Shabani as Interior Minister, Constant Mutamba as Justice Minister, and Guy Kabombo as Defense Minister, replacing Jean-Pierre Bemba. Therese Kayiwamba has been named Foreign Minister, taking over from Christophe Lutundula, while Kizito Kapinga assumes the role of Mines Minister, overseeing the DRC's significant reserves of coltan, copper, and other minerals.

The new Cabinet, which includes 16 women ministers, was formed after extensive negotiations among President Tshisekedi's new allies, who now control 95% of the National Assembly seats following the December 2023 elections.

This announcement comes in the wake of an alleged coup attempt in Kinshasa last week, with the army claiming to have arrested several individuals involved in the plot.

The new government's immediate priorities include addressing the M23 rebellion in the eastern region and improving living conditions for ordinary citizens, many of whom subsist on less than $2 a day. (ILKHA)