Title: New government in the DRC: the challenges of the Tshisekedi era
Since his re-election, Félix Tshisekedi has been the center of attention in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The formation of his new government raises expectations and uncertainty, while the country is at a turning point in its political history. Faced with this crucial stage, many parameters come into play to shape the face of the government and meet the expectations of the Congolese.
The choice of Prime Minister is of capital importance for Félix Tshisekedi. After having coexisted with Joseph Kabila’s FCC during his first term, the president now has a comfortable majority in the Assembly. This new configuration offers him the opportunity to appoint a Prime Minister in line with his vision for the country. A technocratic and economic profile seems to be favored to meet the aspirations of the Congolese population.
The appointment of the “informant”, in the person of Augustin Kabuya, underlines Félix Tshisekedi’s desire to assert his authority and leadership. This approach suggests a government composition that will reflect the president’s determination to make his mark. The retention within the government of the Minister of the Civil Service, Jean-Pierre Lihau, is a strong signal of this desire for continuity.
In this government formation process, regional balance is an aspect that should not be neglected. If the representativeness of the different provinces is essential, Félix Tshisekedi will have to find a subtle balance to avoid criticism. The choice of a Prime Minister from the east of the country, far from his electoral base, could strengthen this dynamic of inclusion.
At the start of his second term, Félix Tshisekedi aspires to breathe new impetus into his political action. After years marked by complex cohabitation with the FCC, this new five-year term represents an opportunity to leave a positive imprint and make its campaign promises a reality. The expected reforms, major projects such as that of the “145 territories”, offer the president the opportunity to leave his personal mark on his mandate.
Beyond the question of government, the ambitions of the various Congolese political actors intersect. Vital Kamerhe, Jean-Pierre Bemba, as well as other political figures, harbor hopes of ascension. The strategic choice of Vital Kamerhe for the presidency of the National Assembly suggests a long-term vision, with a view to the next presidential election of 2028.
In short, the Congolese political puzzle is reinventing itself through the composition of the new government and the ambitions of the main actors. Félix Tshisekedi, conductor of this transformation, has the power to shape the future of the DRC. His choice of Prime Minister, regional cohesion, and the management of major political aspirations will be all challenges to take on to write his second mandate in the history of the country.
In a pivotal period for the Democratic Republic of Congo, the political future is taking shape according to the decisions of President Tshisekedi and the actors who influence the Congolese political landscape.