The presidential office of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on Wednesday unveiled the composition of the new government, which was formed after President Felix Tshisekedi was sworn in for a second term late in January.

The new government, led by Prime Minister Judith Tuluka Suminwa, has 55 members, including the head of government, six deputy prime ministers, and 10 ministers of state, compared with the 57 members in the outgoing cabinet reshuffled in March 2023.

Jacquemain Shabani, Mr Tshisekedi’s senior political adviser, was named deputy prime minister and interior minister.

He led Mr Tshisekedi’s campaign for the 2023 general elections.

Guy Kabombo Muadiamvita, former head of the official gazette, the journal of record for legal acts, was nominated deputy prime minister and minister of national defence to counter the hostilities.

These have lasted more than three decades in the eastern part of the country, succeeding Jean-Pierre Bemba, who was appointed deputy prime minister and minister of transport.

Kizito Pakabomba will take charge of the ministry of mines in this country renowned for its rich mineral resources, particularly cobalt, a mineral necessary for electric car batteries.

On national television, Tshisekedi’s communications director, Erik Nyindu, said that the decision was made after long discussions with the different parties in the ruling coalition to find a compromise.

During the general elections held in December 2023, Tshisekedi was re-elected for a second term.

Mr Tshisekedi appointed Judith Tuluka Suminwa as the new prime minister in April.

According to the DRC Constitution, a new government takes office only after the lower house approves the new prime minister’s national programme with an absolute majority.

(Xinhua/NAN)