The president of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Félix Tshisekedi, has appointed a former minister as the country’s first-ever female prime minister.
Judith Suminwa Tuluka, a former planning minister, replaces Sama Lukonde, who resigned in February.
“I know that the task is great and the challenges [are] immense, but with the support of the president and that of everyone, we will get there,” Ms. Tuluka said at a press conference on Monday after her appointment.
Her appointment follows a lengthy search for a majority coalition in the National Assembly – a key step before a prime minister could be named and a government formed.
The ruling Union for Democracy and Social Progress party secured the majority position, beating the other 44 parties.
Ms. Tuluka is expected to name a new cabinet in the coming weeks.
The prime minister heads the government, which is also composed of ministers and deputy ministers.
