The Democratic Republic of Congo was recently shaken by the surprise resignation of Prime Minister Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde. This decision led to the dissolution of his government and raised many questions within the Congolese political class.
Lukonde, who was appointed Prime Minister in February 2021, decided to submit his resignation to President Félix Tshisekedi, only eight days after the validation of his mandate as national deputy. His desire to join Parliament as representative of Kasenga district led him to make this difficult choice, given that serving ministers are prohibited from being members of Parliament in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Following this resignation, President Tshisekedi asked Lukonde’s government team to continue to manage current affairs while awaiting the formation of a new government. This political transition comes after a turbulent period marked by the breakdown of the alliance between Tshisekedi’s coalition and that of former President Joseph Kabila.
The December elections allowed Tshisekedi to strengthen his political position, with nearly 94% of the seats obtained by the parties supporting him in the National Assembly. This overwhelming majority offers him the opportunity to form a new solid and coherent government to respond to the economic and social challenges facing the country.
The resignation of Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde thus opens a new page in the political history of the DRC, suggesting significant changes in the composition of the government and future policies. It remains to be seen how President Tshisekedi will take advantage of this situation to pursue his vision of transformation and modernization of the country.
This episode marks a crucial stage in Congolese democracy, with major challenges on the horizon for the political future of the country.