In a political context marked by calls for national unity and persistent internal tensions, President Félix Tshisekedi presented, by presidential decree read on RTNC on August 7 by his spokesperson Tina Salama, the new government team, named Suminwa II. This composition, aimed at being broader and more inclusive, marks the entry of several political figures from different backgrounds, including former Prime Minister Adolphe Muzito. However, the absence of opposition leader Martin Fayulu and any representative from his party already raises questions and analysis.
Some key figures from the previous government have been retained in their positions, including Jacquemain Shabani, Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo, Guy Kabombo Muadiamvita, Daniel Mukoko Samba, Doudou Fwamba, Jean-Pierre Lihau, and Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner. Other ministers have changed portfolios: Muhindo Nzangi moves from Rural Development to Agriculture and Food Security, while Aimé Boji Sangara leaves the Budget for Industry. Ève Bazaiba Masudi, formerly Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development, now heads the Ministry of Social Affairs, Humanitarian Action, and National Solidarity.
The new configuration also includes Guillaume Ngefa-Atondoko Andali in Justice and Professor Marie Niange Ndambo, who succeeds Ève Bazaiba in Environment. Former journalist and deputy Eliezer Ntambwe takes on the role of Minister Delegate in charge of Veterans, while Floribert Azuluni, a candidate in the 2023 presidential election, becomes Minister of Regional Integration.
The appointment of Adolphe Muzito as Vice Prime Minister, Minister of Budget, is one of the highlights of this reshuffle. Former Prime Minister (2008-2012) and opposition figure, his appointment illustrates the stated desire of the head of state to broaden his political base. However, the non-participation of Martin Fayulu – recently received by Félix Tshisekedi – and the total absence of representatives from his party in this government raise questions, especially in light of preliminary discussions aimed at including broad political forces in a spirit of consensus.
This reshuffle comes after several months of consultations, including those conducted last March by Professor Cashmir Eberande Kolongele, special security advisor. Although these initiatives were presented as a step towards a government of national unity, they did not convince all opposition forces, some still favoring the option of an inclusive national dialogue under the auspices of CENCO and the Church of Christ in Congo, within the framework of the “Social Pact for Peace.”
List of the Suminwa II government:
Vice Prime Ministers:
– Interior, Security, Decentralization and Customary Affairs: Jacquemain Shabani Lukoo (retained)
– Transport, Communication and Opening Up: Jean-Pierre Bemba (retained)
– Defense and Veterans: Guy Kabombo Mwadiamvita (retained)
– National Economy: Daniel Mukoko Samba (retained)
– Budget: Adolphe Muzito (new)
– Public Service, Modernization of Administration and Public Service Innovation: Jean-Pierre Lihau (retained)
State Ministers:
– Planning, Development Aid Coordination: Guylain Nyembo (retained, downgraded to State Minister)
– Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Francophonie: Thérèse Kayikwamba (retained)
– Agriculture and Food Security: Muhindo Nzangi Butondo (retained and swapped)
– Industry: Aimé Boji Sangara (retained and swapped)
– Social Affairs, Humanitarian Actions and National Solidarity: Ève Bazaiba Masudi (retained and swapped)
– Justice and Keeper of the Seals: Guillaume Ngefa (new)
– Hydrocarbons: Acacia Bandubola (retained and swapped)
– Education and New Citizenship: Raïssa Malu Dinanga (retained)
– Vocational Training: Marc Ekila (retained and elevated to State Minister)
– Urban Planning and Housing: Alexis Gisaro (retained and swapped)
– Rural Development: Grégoire Mutshail Mutomb (retained and swapped)
– Relations with Parliament: Guy Loando (retained and swapped)
Ministers:
– Finance: Doudou Fwamba Likunde (retained)
– Public Health, Hygiene and Social Welfare: Samuel Roger Kamba (retained)
– Foreign Trade: Julien Paluku (retained)
– Environment, Sustainable Development and New Climate Economy: Marie Niange Ndambo (new)
– Infrastructure and Public Works: John Banza Lunda (new)
– Higher Education and University, Scientific Research and Innovations: Marie-Thérèse Sombo (retained)
– Employment and Labor: Ferdinand Massamba Wa Massamba (new)
– Posts and Telecommunications: José MPanda Kabangu (new)
– Digital Economy: Augustin Kibassa (retained and swapped)
– Mines: Louis Watum Kabamba (retained and swapped)
– Hydraulic Resources and Electricity: Aimé Molendo Sakombi (retained and swapped)
– Communication and Media: Patrick Muyaya (retained)
– Territorial Planning: Jean-Lucien Bussa (retained and swapped)
– Entrepreneurship and SME Development: Justin Kalumba Mwana Ngongo (new)
– Tourism: Didier Manzenga (retained and swapped)
– Fisheries, Livestock: Jean-Pierre Tshimanga (retained)
– Culture, Arts and Heritage: Yolande Elebe (retained)
– Human Rights: Samuel Mbemba Kabuya (retained and swapped)
– Land Affairs: Oneige Nsele (retained and swapped)
– Regional Integration: Floribert Anzulini (new)
– Sports and Leisure: Didier Budimbu (retained)
– Portfolio: Julie Mbuyi Shiku (new)
– Gender and Family: Micheline Ombaye Kalama (new)
– Youth: Grâce Emie Kutino (new)
Delegated Ministers:
– Near the Minister of Foreign Affairs in charge of Francophonie and Congolese Diaspora: Crispin Mbadu (retained and swapped)
– Near the Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development in charge of the New Climate Economy: Arlette Bahati Tito (new)
– Near the Minister of Urban Planning and Housing in charge of City Policy: Angèle Bangasa Yogo (new)
– Near the Minister of Social Affairs in charge of persons living with disabilities: Irène Esambo Diata (retained)
– Near the Minister of National Defense in charge of Veterans: Eliezer Thambwe (new)
Vice Ministers:
– Budget: Élysée Bokumwana (retained)
– Interior: Eugénie Tshiela Kamba (retained)
– Foreign Affairs: Noëlla Ayeganagato Nakwipone (retained and swapped)
– Finance: Gracia Yamba Kazadi (retained and swapped)
– National Education and New Citizenship: Théodore Kazadi (new)
– Customary Affairs: Mwami Ndeze Katurebe Jean-Baptiste (retained)
