Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Arms of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Incumbent Judith Suminwa since 12 June 2024
Appointer	Félix Tshisekedi, as President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Inaugural holder	Patrice Lumumba
Formation	24 June 1960
Website	www.primature.cd

The Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is like the main manager of the country's government. They lead the daily work of the government. The country's current rules, called the Constitution of the Third Republic, give the prime minister a lot of important powers.

Right now, Judith Suminwa holds this important job. She took office on June 12, 2024. She is the very first woman to become prime minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

History of the Prime Minister Role

The job of prime minister started when the Democratic Republic of the Congo became independent. The first prime minister was Patrice Emery Lumumba in 1960. Over the years, the prime minister's powers changed a lot. Sometimes, the position didn't even exist for long periods.

For example, Mobutu Sese Seko, who ruled the country for a long time, got rid of the prime minister role in 1966. He brought it back in 1977, but called it "First State Commissioner." This new role was not as powerful as the old prime minister's job. Mobutu could appoint or remove these commissioners whenever he wanted. The position disappeared again when Mobutu was forced to leave power in 1997.

Besides Lumumba, other strong leaders have been prime minister. These include Moise Tshombe, who once led a part of the country that wanted to separate. Another was Étienne Tshisekedi, who was a major opponent of Mobutu. People wanted him to be prime minister, and he held the job three times.

The role of prime minister came back officially with the new constitution in 2006. Antoine Gizenga became the first prime minister under this new system on December 30, 2006. Gizenga was a very experienced politician. He had even been Lumumba's deputy prime minister back in 1960.

What the Prime Minister Does

Under the current constitution, the prime minister shares leadership of the government with the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The president chooses the prime minister. The person chosen usually comes from the political party or group that has the most seats in the National Assembly.

The prime minister plays a key role in running the government day-to-day. If the prime minister and the president are from the same political party, the president is usually seen as the main leader. However, sometimes the president and the prime minister are from different parties. This is called "cohabitation." When this happens, the prime minister becomes much more important. This is because the president needs the prime minister's agreement to make many decisions.

Becoming Prime Minister

The constitution does not list specific requirements to become prime minister. The main step is that the National Assembly must approve the government's plan and the people chosen for the government. Once approved, the government, led by the prime minister, can officially start its work.

See also

• Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
• President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
• List of heads of state of the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Historical Leaders:

• Colonial Heads of Congo
• Zaire