Félix Tshisekedi, the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, has reshuffled his cabinet and appointed former vice president, Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo, as a deputy prime minister.
Bemba served as Congo-Kinshasa’s defence minister since 2023, before that he was one of four vice-presidents in the transitional government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo from 17 July 2003 to December 2006.
In a Friday cabinet reshuffle, Bemba was appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence.
Prime Minister Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde has been retained as Chief Executive.
Vital Kamerhe, the chief of staff of President Félix Tshisekedi and leader of the Union for the Congolese Nation opposition party, has also been elevated to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Economy.
Peter Kazadi has also been elevated to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior.
Antipas Mbusa Nyamwisi is also appointed Minister of State for National Integration.
Claude-François Kabulo takes control of the Ministry of Sports.
Full cabinet list:
Deputy Prime Ministers
Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior, Security and Customary Affairs: Kazadi Kankonde Peter
Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of National Defense and Veterans: Bemba Gombo Jean-Pierre
Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of National Economy: Kamerhe Vital
Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Francophonie: Christophe Lutundula Apala
Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Civil Service, Modernization of Administration and Innovation of Public Service: Jean-Pierre Lihau Ebua.
Ministers of State
Minister of State, Minister of the Environment and Sustainable Development: Ève Bazaiba Masudi
Minister of State, Minister of Justice, Keeper of the Seals: Rose Mutombo Kiese
Minister of State, Minister of Infrastructure and Public Works: Alexis Gizaro Muvuni
Minister of State, Minister for Regional Cooperation: Antipas Mbusa Nyamwisi
Minister of State, Minister of the Budget: Aimé Boji Sangara
Minister of State, Minister of Portfolio: Adèle Kahinda Mayina
Minister of State, Minister of Planning: Tsuminwa Tuluka Judith
Minister of State, Minister of Town Planning and Housing: Pius Muabilu Mbayu Mukala
Minister of State, Minister of Rural Development: François Rubota Masumbuko
Minister of State, Minister of Decentralization and Institutional Reforms: Eustache Muhanzi Mubembe
Minister of State, Minister of Regional Planning: Guy Loando Mboyo
Ministers
Minister of Finance: Nicolas Kazadi
Minister of Public Health, Hygiene and Prevention: Kamba Mulanda Samuel-Roger
Minister of Agriculture: José Mpanda Kabangu
Minister of Primary, Secondary and Technical Education (EPST): Tony Mwaba Kazadi
Minister of Transport, Ways of Communication and Opening Up: Ekila Likombo Marc
Minister of Employment, Labor and Social Welfare: Ms. Ndusi Ntembe Claudine
Minister of Fisheries and Livestock: Adrien Bokele Djema
Minister of Industry: Julien Paluku Kahongya
Minister of Entrepreneurship and Small and Medium Enterprises: Zinga Birihanze Désiré
Minister of Higher and University Education (ESU): Muhindo Nzangi
Minister of Scientific Research and Technological Innovation: Gilbert Kabanda Rukemba
Minister of Mines: Antoinette Nsamba Kalambayi
Minister of Hydrocarbons: Didier Budimbu Ntubuanga
Minister of Posts, Telecommunications and New Information and Communication Technologies (PTNTIC): Augustin Kibassa Maliba Lubalala
Minister of Digital: Désiré Cashmir Eberande Kolongele
Minister of Land Affairs: Aimé Sakombi Molendo
Minister of Hydraulic Resources and Electricity: Olivier Mwenze Mukaleng
Minister of Foreign Trade: Jean-Lucien Bussa Tongba
Minister of Human Rights: Albert Fabrice Puela
Minister of Gender, Family and Children: Masangu Bibi Muloko Mireille
Minister of Tourism: Didier Mazenga Mukanzu
Minister of Communications and Media, Government Spokesperson: Patrick Muyaya Katembwe
Minister of Social Affairs, Humanitarian Actions and National Solidarity: Modeste Mutinga Mutushayi
Minister of Vocational Training and Trades: Antoinette Kipulu Kabenga
Minister of Youth, Initiation to New Citizenship and National Cohesion: Yves Bunkulu Zola
Minister of Sports and Recreation: François Kabulo Mwana Kabulo
Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage: Catherine Katumbu Furaha
Minister for Relations with Parliament: Anne-Marie Karume Bakaneme
Minister to the President of the Republic: Nana Manuanina Kihimba
Minister Delegate to the Minister of Social Affairs, Humanitarian Actions and National Solidarity Responsible for people living with disabilities and other vulnerable people: Irène Esambo Diata
Deputy Ministers:
Deputy Minister of the Interior, Security, Decentralization and Customary Affairs: Jean-Claude Molipe Mandongo
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs: Bandu Panzu Crispin
Deputy Minister of Justice: Mambu Lawu Thadée
Deputy Minister of Planning: Bitika Omana Pascal
Deputy Budget Minister: Elysée Bokumuamua Maposo
Deputy Minister of National Defence: Adubango Awoto Samy
Deputy Minister of Finance: Onyege Nsele Mimpa
Deputy Minister of Mines: Godard Motemona Gibolum
Deputy Minister of Public Health and Prevention: Olen Obe A Nzem Serge
Deputy Minister of EPST: Aminata Namasiya Bazego
Deputy Minister of Hydrocarbons: Moleka Nsolo Wivine
Deputy Minister of Transport and Communication: Kilubu Kutuna Séraphine.
Additional reporting by Radio Okapi