Judith Suminwa set DRC priorities as critics push back in Washington

Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka outlined the Democratic Republic of Congo’s priorities on security, humanitarian response and economic reform during her visit to the United States, as civil society groups raised concerns over the government’s effectiveness.

Speaking alongside international engagements linked to the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, Suminwa addressed the recent drone strike in Goma, the ongoing crisis in eastern DRC and structural economic challenges. The UN session, held in March 2026, focuses on gender equality and development priorities .

On the March 10 bombing in Goma that killed a French humanitarian worker, the government announced a judicial investigation to establish responsibility. Authorities have tasked military prosecutors with clarifying the incident and initiating legal proceedings if required. The killing was separately confirmed by UNICEF, which reported the death of one of its staff members in the city.

Suminwa also emphasized the need to restore humanitarian access, including reopening Goma airport to facilitate aid delivery to affected populations. Eastern DRC continues to face a severe humanitarian crisis marked by displacement and insecurity, with international reporting highlighting ongoing violence and limited access to assistance .

However, Jean-Claude Mputu, spokesperson for the “Congo Is Not for Sale” (CNPAV) movement, challenged the government’s response. He argued that attention to the Goma incident reflects unequal treatment, pointing to long-standing violence affecting Congolese civilians. He called for transparency in the investigation and publication of its findings.

Mputu further criticized what he described as a focus on short-term humanitarian measures rather than addressing the root causes of the conflict. He said durable peace would require implementation of existing agreements and inclusive political dialogue to stabilize the country.

On the economic front, Suminwa highlighted plans to promote local processing of mineral resources and expand entrepreneurship as part of efforts to reduce youth unemployment. With a population exceeding 100 million, the DRC faces significant pressure to generate jobs and diversify its economy.

Civil society representatives, however, expressed doubts about the feasibility of these reforms. Mputu pointed to persistent corruption in the mining sector and governance challenges, arguing that structural weaknesses continue to undermine economic transformation.

Suminwa, the first woman to serve as Prime Minister of the DRC, addressed skepticism surrounding her leadership, stating that the ability to govern effectively should not be judged by gender. Critics, however, maintain that the central issue remains the government’s capacity to respond to ongoing security and socio-economic challenges.