DR Congo unveils new government amid eastern security crisis

KINSHASA, Aug. 8 (Xinhua) -- The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on Friday carried out a government reshuffle as the Central African country faces a mounting security crisis in its eastern region.

Presidential spokesperson Tina Salama said on national television that the new cabinet was formed after nationwide consultations to ensure efficiency, credibility, as well as political, geographical and sociocultural balance through "an inclusive government."

Although initially announced as streamlined, the new government comprises 54 members -- only one fewer than the previous cabinet formed in May 2024 -- including six vice prime ministers, 12 state ministers, 24 ministers, five ministerial delegates and six vice ministers. Judith Suminwa Tuluka remains prime minister.

Opposition figure Adolphe Muzito, a former prime minister under ex-president Joseph Kabila, has joined the new inclusive government as vice prime minister in charge of the budget.

In late February, DRC President Felix Tshisekedi announced sweeping political changes, including plans to establish a "government of national unity" to prevent the security crisis in the country's eastern part from escalating into a broader regional conflict.

Since then, Desire-Cashmir Kolongele Eberande, the DRC president's special security advisor, has led consultations involving the Sacred Union -- the ruling parliamentary coalition -- opposition parties within and outside parliament, civil society, and prominent figures, including former presidential candidates.

The eastern DRC has been troubled by decades of insecurity fueled by ethnic tensions, local militias, and foreign rebel groups operating across porous borders, especially the March 23 Movement rebel group, which re-emerged in late 2021. ■