On November 2, 2026, Democratic Republic of the Congo Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka addressed the Conference of Women Parliamentarians of the Great Lakes region in Dar es-Salaam, Tanzania. She emphasized the need for concrete actions to achieve peace, stating, "Faisons de la paix une réalité vécue, et non une promesse répétée." The conference aimed to transform commitments into actions, particularly regarding women's participation in politics. Suminwa highlighted the importance of moving beyond mere representation to influence in decision-making processes.
Suminwa stressed that 20 years after the signing of the Nairobi Pact on security, stability, and development in the Great Lakes region, it is essential to translate commitments into concrete actions. She specifically mentioned the need for women's effective participation in conflict prevention, mediation, and reconstruction mechanisms. The Prime Minister invited states and parliamentary institutions to ensure women have a genuine influence in decision-making processes, moving from representation to influence and results.
The Prime Minister also addressed the security situation in eastern DR Congo, condemning violence attributed to the Rwandan army and its affiliates. She highlighted the consequences of conflicts on women and young girls, including violence, forced displacement, and precarious living conditions. Suminwa paid tribute to their resilience and contribution to maintaining social cohesion in affected communities. She emphasized that women should not be seen only as victims but also as essential actors in finding sustainable solutions to regional crises.
Suminwa reaffirmed the DR Congo's commitment to promoting women's rights, as enshrined in Article 14 of the Constitution, which ensures their equitable participation in national life and public institutions. She recalled the President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo's vision, which includes promoting positive masculinity. The Prime Minister called on parliamentarians to use their legislative, budgetary, and oversight powers to combat gender-based discrimination and violence, support girls' education, and strengthen women's economic autonomy.
The Prime Minister also urged parliamentarians to accompany displaced populations and better consider the voices of women directly affected by conflicts. She emphasized the need for legal provisions to be accompanied by financial resources and concrete actions. Suminwa's speech aimed to encourage women to participate actively in peace efforts and decision-making processes.
Other speakers at the conference, including Angolan Adão Francisco Correia de Almeida, President of the CIRGL Parliamentary Forum, and Tanzanian Vice-President Deogratius John Ndejembi, also emphasized the importance of dialogue, diplomacy, and sustainable solutions to regional conflicts. They highlighted the role of women in conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and sustainable development.
The conference provided a platform for women parliamentarians to discuss their roles in promoting peace, stability, and development in the Great Lakes region. The participants aimed to strengthen cooperation and coordination among regional states to address common challenges. Key points from the conference include:
Key points
- DR Congo Prime Minister Judith Suminwa calls for women's participation in peace efforts.
- The conference aimed to transform commitments into actions, particularly regarding women's participation in politics.
- Suminwa emphasized the need for women's effective participation in conflict prevention, mediation, and reconstruction mechanisms.
