The announcement, officially made on Monday through a national television address, marks a historic moment as Tuluka becomes the first woman to hold the position in the country’s history.
This appointment comes just over three months after President Félix Tshisekedi’s re-election in the December 2023 polls. Tuluka takes over from Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde, who resigned on February 21, 2024, after serving as Prime Minister for three years.
Lukonde’s departure stemmed from his recent parliamentary election win on December 20, 2023. Congolese law prohibits government ministers from holding seats in parliament simultaneously. He opted to focus on his parliamentary role, leading to the dissolution of his entire cabinet. Notably, 39 former ministers, including Lukonde, secured seats in the new parliament.
With Tuluka’s appointment, President Tshisekedi ushers in a new era of leadership for the DRC. Her specific policy goals and areas of focus as Prime Minister remain to be seen.
With AFP abj/APA