**Judith Suminwa Tuluka: governance tested by Congolese challenges**
The current context in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is particularly complex and its challenges are pressing. The extraordinary meeting of the Council of Ministers chaired by the Head of State, Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi, on January 15, 2025, highlighted the strategic orientations of the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka. As the first woman to hold this key position, Judith Suminwa finds herself at the crossroads between tradition and modernity, between expectation of results and the inevitability of socio-economic realities.
### A year to strengthen moral values
The year 2025, according to the Prime Minister, must be dedicated to strengthening moral values and optimizing government action. A choice that appears more necessary than ever as the country faces multifaceted crises. Judith Suminwa has intelligently set the bar high by introducing performance and integrity criteria in state action. This guideline aims to restore public confidence in a context where it seems eroded by decades of poor governance.
Economic growth forecasts, although encouraging, are almost in vain if they do not translate into tangible improvements in the lives of the Congolese. To put this into context, the DRC has some of the most abundant natural resources in the world – copper, cobalt, gold – but these have not yet succeeded in translating into prosperity for the majority of the population. The question that then arises is that of the distribution of wealth. Judith Suminwa’s commitment to promoting transparency and integrity could offer a glimmer of hope for the rational management of these resources.
### Security, economy and social vulnerability
Among the many challenges, the security issue, with the threat of the M23 supported by Rwanda, remains a concern. These unrest not only undermine the security of citizens but also impact local economies. The regions of Rutshuru and Nyiragongo, in particular, are suffering from violence and the resulting humanitarian crisis. In 2024, the number of displaced people in the DRC reached alarming levels, exceeding 5 million according to international organizations. This illustrates the urgency of government action that goes beyond speeches, to prevent this crisis from intensifying.
At the same time, the economic reality is stark: the depreciation of the Congolese franc has had devastating consequences on purchasing power. Food, essential for daily survival, is often inaccessible for a large part of the population. According to the latest data, nearly 60% of Congolese live below the poverty line.. The measures taken by the government to combat the high cost of living are struggling to provide lasting solutions. The complexity of the situation therefore requires collective mobilization, where each member of the government must not only be the author of responses, but also accountable to those they represent.
### Towards participatory and inclusive governance
A reflection to be carried out within the framework of this governance could be that of citizen participation. How can the government involve the population in its efforts? Taking into account the voice of the people, in particular through feedback mechanisms such as listening packages and digital platforms, could not only increase the legitimacy of the decisions taken but also contextualize expectations in terms of public services.
In conclusion, the year 2025 will be the year of decisive choices for the DRC. Judith Suminwa Tuluka, through her speech, laid the foundations for a new beginning. However, this is not just a speech: concrete, measurable and inclusive actions will be the true measure of its success. The time for promises must give way to that of tangible results, because behind each number lies a life, a story, an expectation. The DRC deserves bold, ethical leadership that truly serves its people; the sustainability of trust will depend on the combined efforts of all its institutions.