KINSHASA, Congo –
President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo on Monday appointed the country’s first female prime minister, fulfilling a campaign promise and making an important step towards the formation of a new government after being reelected late last year.
Former planning minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka will step into the role at a time of worsening violence in the country’s mineral-rich east, which borders Rwanda. The long-running conflict has displaced more than seven million people according to the United Nations, making it one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.
Tuluka promised to work towards peace and development in her first speech following her appointment on state television. Still, it could be months before a new government is formed as the process requires intensive negotiations with the many political parties.
“My thoughts go out to the east and to all corners of the country, which today are facing conflicts with enemies …