Marie Tumba Nzeza
Marie Tumba Nzeza is a Congolese politician and diplomat. She has been the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Republic of Congo in Prime Minister Sylvestre Ilunga's cabinet since September 2019. Previously, she was deputy secretary general of the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS), responsible for foreign affairs.
Biography
Marie Tumba Nzeza studied at the Université libre de Bruxelles in Belgium, where she earned a degree in social sciences. She then worked in the field of international relations between the DR Congo and Canada. During the Conférence nationale souveraine (CNS) period in the early 1990s, she was very involved politically. She was an activist against the Popular Movement of the Revolution, the Unity Party, and headed the CNS Commission on Foreign Policy.In 1991, Prime Minister Jean Nguza Karl-I-Bond offered her a ministerial post in his government, which she declined. She then joined the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS), the party of former opponent Etienne Tshisekedi, with whom she actively campaigned. At the request of his son, Félix Tshisekedi, she became deputy secretary general of the party in May 2018, responsible for foreign policy.
of the Democratic Republic of Congo Marie Tumba Nzeza attend a signing
ceremony in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, on
Wednesday. (PHOTO / XINHUA)
Foreign Minister
Following the election of Felix Tshisekedi as president, she was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Ilunga government on August 26, 2019, having been preferred to Aimé Boji, the former brother-in-law of Vital Kamerhe (the president's chief of staff). She is the second woman to hold this position since Ekila Liyonda (1987) and holds the largest portfolio among women appointed in this government. She officially took office on September 9, succeeding Franck Mwe di Malila, who served as interim minister. DRC: Marie Tumba, 2nd woman head of diplomacy in history Prime Minister Sylvester Ilunga Ilunkamba has finally released the government team on Monday morning, August 26, 2019, after long and difficult negotiations between the two coalitions in power, FCC-CACH. This government includes a small percentage of women. But these occupy at least large positions. The government includes "83% men and 17% women." This percentage is still low, but it must be weighted by the importance of the portfolios that have been allocated to women", Prime Minister Sylvestre Ilunga explained before adding that: "Thus, we have a lady Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Planning and a lady Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs," he said. Two other women are ministers of State This government includes a small percentage of women. But these occupy at least the But the spotlight is directed notably on Ms. Marie Tumba Nzeza, named patroness of Congolese diplomacy. Designated by Félix Tshisikedi in May 2018, as Deputy Secretary General of the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS) in charge of diplomacy, Marie Tumba Nzeza has risen to new heights. She now occupies the head of Congolese diplomacy, a first since President Mobutu. But the spotlight is focused on Mrs. Marie Tumba Nzeza, named boss of Congolese diplomacy. Designated by Félix Tshisikedi in May 2018, as Deputy Secretary General of the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS) in charge of diplomacy, Marie Tumba Nzeza has taken a new position. She now occupies the head of Congolese diplomacy, a first since President Mobutu. She is the second woman, head of diplomacy, in the history of the Democratic Republic of Congo, after Mrs. Ekila Liyondo. DR Congo announces new coalition government The Democratic Republic of Congo announced a new coalition government on Monday, seven months after President Felix Tshisekedi was inaugurated as the country's head of state. "This is a cohabitation experience that is the first in our country and change is starting now," said Prime Minister Sylvester Ilunga Ilunkamba, who was appointed on May 20. The new government has brought in new blood. "76.9% of ministers have never been members of the government," said Ilunkamba. It comprises 65 members of which 42 are from former President Joseph Kabila's Common Front for Congo coalition and 23 from Tshisekedi's Direction For Change party, according to a power-sharing agreement. The new government has five vice prime ministers. It includes 17% women, a percentage Ilunkamba said was "still low". "We have to weigh it by the importance of the portfolios that have been allocated to women," he said, adding that a woman, Elysee Munembwe Tamukumwe was appointed deputy prime minister and another woman Marie Tumba Nzeza, minister of foreign affairs. Among the new figures are Gilbert Kankonde Malamba as interior minister, Jean Baudoin Mayo Mambeke as finance minister, David Jolino Diwanpovesa Makelele Ma-muzingi as communication and media minister, Eteni Longondo for health minister, and Celestin Tunda Ya Kasende as justice minister. Tshisekedi won the presidential election on Dec. 30, 2018 with a simple majority of 38.6% of the vote, while the party of Kabila, his predecessor easily won the legislative, senatorial and provincial elections.
the Chinese ambassador in the DRC, ZHU JING / Copyright third party photo
DR Congo unveils new government after months-long delay
Nearly eight months after former opposition chief Felix Tshisekedi was elected president, the Democratic Republic of Congo on Monday unveiled a coalition government dominated by supporters of his predecessor, Joseph Kabila. "The government is finally here. The president has signed the decree and we will begin work soon," Prime Minister Sylvestre Ilunga told reporters. In gestation for seven months, the new government will see most of the 66 portfolios handed to Kabila's Common Front for Congo (FCC), with Tshisekedi's Direction For Change alliance accounting for most of the rest. Tshisekedi, 56, has vowed to enact sweeping reform and root out corruption but has been hampered by the need to share power with the legislature, which is dominated by FCC MPs. Forging the coalition government took time as both sides had to "remove everything that could be an obstacle to the functioning of the government," Ilunga said. The new team will get down to work as soon as its members are approved by the National Assembly, he added. The parliament has been convened in special session until September 7 to approve the government. "I believe this has been worth waiting for," Ilunga said. "Here we have a government that manifests the vision of the head of state, in the direction of change. So change starts now. Let's get to work!" - Female foreign minister - Ilunga said 17 percent of government positions were now occupied by women, Ilunga said. "This percentage is still low but it is balanced by the importance of the portfolios attributed to women," he argued. The foreign ministry was handed to Marie Tumba Nzeza, a member of Tshisekedi's Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS). She becomes only the second female foreign minister in the country's history. The first was Ekila Liyonda, who briefly served in the 1980s under former dictator Mobutu Sese Seko, who had renamed the country Zaire. Women have also been named in charge of the employment ministry and ministry for gender affairs. The new government also includes a female vice prime minister from Kabila's party, Elysee Munembe, who takes the planning portfolio, Ilunga said. There are five vice prime ministers in all. The defence ministry went to Aime Ngoy Mukena, a close Kabila supporter and the finance portfolio to another Kabila-era veteran, Jose Sele Yalaghuli. The interior ministry was attributed to Gilbert Kankonde, a pro-Tshisekedi figure from UDPS ranks, who will face the thorny task of dealing with future protests. Ilunga declared that three-quarters of members were serving in government for the first time, which he regarded as the "most important innovation." Tshisekedi emerged victorious in elections on December 30 that marked the DRC's first peaceful transition of power since the mineral-rich nation gained independence from Belgium in 1960. - Poverty, instability - But the unstable country's politics remain overshadowed by Kabila, who despite stepping down voluntarily wields extensive clout after 18 years in power. He came to office in January 2001, less than two weeks after the assassination of his father, Laurent Kabila, while the armies of at least six regional nations waged war on Congolese soil. Swathes of the eastern provinces are still unstable, a haven for rebel militias regularly accused of atrocities against civilians. Moreover, an Ebola epidemic has claimed almost 2,000 lives in one year in the troubled provinces of North and South Kivu, presenting a gruelling challenge for the incoming health minister, Eteni Longondo. Despite cobalt, copper, diamonds and other natural treasure, the DRC ranks just 176th out of 189 countries on the UN's Human Development Index. Poverty is widespread, and inequality is glaring. Another hot potato has landed in the lap of the minister in charge of primary education, Willy Bakonga. He has to implement a plan to make state schools free from September 2 -- a scheme announced by the outgoing minister only on Saturday and at a cost of some $2.6 billion (2.3 billion euros), roughly half the government's entire budget.
Democratic Republic of Congo resumes making passports after hiatus
KINSHASA, Nov 15 (Reuters) - Democratic Republic of Congo is resuming passport production, a government decree showed on Sunday, after a five-month hiatus following allegations of money laundering and corruption by Brussels-based manufacturer Semlex. In May, a senior Congolese official told Reuters the government would not renew its contract with Semlex, which made biometric passports for Congo in a deal agreed under former President Joseph Kabila that expired on June 11. The winner of a subsequent tender has not been announced, but the decree, signed by the Congolese foreign and finance ministers on Nov. 10, details new passport costs and delivery times for citizens. "The decree enters into force as of the date of its signature," it said. A Nov. 3 letter from Congo's public markets regulator to Foreign Minister Marie Tumba Nzeza, seen by Reuters, suggests the authorities have sought to register a new contract worth over $68 million with Locosem, a subsidiary of Semlex. Responding to a request for comment on the letter, the foreign ministry said Semlex's contract had not been extended, but did not give further details. A representative of Semlex did not immediately respond to Reuters. In a 2017 report, Reuters detailed how Semlex, which supplies passports to various African countries, won the original contract. The company has denied all accusations of impropriety, calling them part of a "defamatory smear campaign". The deal greatly increased the price citizens had to pay for passports, and documents showed a Gulf company owned by a relative of Kabila received almost a third of the revenues. At $185, Congo's passport was among the world's most expensive, even though its people are on average among the poorest. A five-year passport is now priced at $99, the new decree shows. Belgian prosecutors have been investigating the allegations against Semlex, while Congolese citizens and international campaign groups filed a civil action in Belgium against the company in May. (Reporting by Stanis Bujakera and Aaron Ross, dditional reporting by Hereward Holland; Writing by Alessandra Prentice, editing by Emelia Sithole-Matarise)
Wang Yi Holds Talks with DRC Minister of State and Minister of Foreign Affairs Marie Tumba Nzeza
On January 6, 2021 local time, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Minister of State and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Marie Tumba Nzeza in Kinshasa during his official visit to the country. Wang Yi said that mutual understanding, mutual support and mutual trust are the basis for the healthy and stable development of China-DRC relations. China's friendly policy towards the DRC remains consistent and stable and is not affected by changes in their respective domestic situations. China never interferes in the internal affairs of other countries and respects the choices made by the DRC people. China hopes that the DRC will maintain political stability and realize national unity and rejuvenation. China-DRC relations have withstood the test of time and will certainly be further consolidated and strengthened. China firmly supports the DRC in safeguarding its national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity and supports the DRC's reasonable demands in the international community. He believes that the DRC will continue to give China understanding and support on issues involving China's core interests. Wang Yi said that last year, the China-DRC trade grew against the trend, reflecting the high degree of complementarity and great potential for development between the two countries' economies. China is willing to further promote mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries according to the needs of the DRC, gradually deepen the cooperation between the two countries in the fields of health, agriculture, education, digital and other fields, and help the DRC translate its resource advantages into development advantages, so as to promote its industrialization process, benefit ordinary people, and improve its independent development capability. He hopes that the DRC will provide a good business environment and security guarantees for Chinese enterprises in the country. The two countries reached a consensus on Belt and Road cooperation, which will drive more Chinese enterprises to invest in the DRC.
support of women finally that they fully enjoy their rights By GRANDJOURNALCD.NET
Wang Yi said that China congratulates the DRC on its forthcoming rotating chair of the African Union (AU) and supports the DRC in performing its duties to coordinate African countries to maintain unity, develop their economies and move towards prosperity. Both China and Africa uphold multilateralism and oppose unilateralism, uphold fairness and justice and oppose power politics and bullying, and work for democracy in international relations and a multi-polar world. He hopes the DRC will give a full play to the role of the rotating chair of the AU, push for fruitful results of the new session of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), open up a brighter future for China-Africa cooperation and build an even stronger China-Africa community with a shared future. Marie Tumba Nzeza said the friendship between China and the DRC has a long history. The relationship between the two countries is based on mutual respect, mutual trust and mutual benefit. The DRC thanks China for its important help in maintaining peace and realizing development in the country. The DRC firmly supports China in safeguarding national unity and territorial integrity. It hopes to further deepen its strategic partnership with China and continuously strengthen cooperation between the two countries in medical care, agriculture, clean energy, education, power infrastructure, digital industry, culture and other fields, and welcomes China to further increase its investment in the country. The DRC is just about to assume the rotating chair of the AU and is willing to actively facilitate Africa's integration and promote Africa to play a greater role on international and regional issues. The DRC is willing to actively participate in the preparations for the new FOCAC meeting and contribute to its success. Long live the friendship between the DRC and China! The two sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern, and jointly met with the press after their talks. Wang Yi said that China congratulates the DRC on its forthcoming rotating chair of the African Union (AU) and supports the DRC in performing its duties to coordinate African countries to maintain unity, develop their economies and move towards prosperity. Both China and Africa uphold multilateralism and oppose unilateralism, uphold fairness and justice and oppose power politics and bullying, and work for democracy in international relations and a multi-polar world. He hopes the DRC will give a full play to the role of the rotating chair of the AU, push for fruitful results of the new session of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), open up a brighter future for China-Africa cooperation and build an even stronger China-Africa community with a shared future. Marie Tumba Nzeza said the friendship between China and the DRC has a long history. The relationship between the two countries is based on mutual respect, mutual trust and mutual benefit. The DRC thanks China for its important help in maintaining peace and realizing development in the country. The DRC firmly supports China in safeguarding national unity and territorial integrity. It hopes to further deepen its strategic partnership with China and continuously strengthen cooperation between the two countries in medical care, agriculture, clean energy, education, power infrastructure, digital industry, culture and other fields, and welcomes China to further increase its investment in the country. The DRC is just about to assume the rotating chair of the AU and is willing to actively facilitate Africa's integration and promote Africa to play a greater role on international and regional issues. The DRC is willing to actively participate in the preparations for the new FOCAC meeting and contribute to its success. Long live the friendship between the DRC and China! The two sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern, and jointly met with the press after their talks.
Japan-Democratic Republic of the Congo Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
On October 21, commencing at 1:00 p.m. for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a meeting with H.E. Ms. Marie TUMBA NZEZA, State Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), who was visiting Japan. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
1. Opening Remarks
After welcoming the visit to Japan by Minister Tumba and congratulating her on her assumption of the office, Minister Motegi presented his condolences to a number of victims killed in a trafic accident occured on October 20 in the DRC. Minister Motegi also stated, “The peace and stability of the DRC, recognized as a country with high latent economic power, is the key for prosperity of the entire African continent. Japan, as a partner, will continue implementing development cooperation which benefits directly the Congolese people.” In response, Minister Tumba appreciated the sympathy expressed by Minister Motegi. She also expressed her gratitude to the Government of Japan for its warm hospitality given to her current visit, as well as to the delegation of the DRC during the 7th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD7) held last August.
2. Bilateral Relations
Minister Motegi conveyed condolences about the Ebola virus disease outbreak in the DRC and stated that, “Japan is providing emergency relief goods, dispatching a Japan Disaster Relief Team, and implementing an emergency grant aid” in order to help curbing the spread of the outbreak. In addition, toward bolstering bilateral economic relations, he stated, “I am counting on your cooperation for improvement of the environment for business expansion of Japanese companies in the DRC.” In response, Minister Tumba was thankful to the Government of Japan for its various assistance including that against the Ebola virus desease outbreak, saying that a friend in need is a friend indeed. Moreover, she responded with regard to the business environment in the DRC that the Government had been implementing measures to improve it such as the enactment of a revised Mining Act. Minister Tumba showed her expectation for further developed economic relations between Japan and the DRC.
3. Cooperation in international fora
Minister Motegi sought understanding and cooperation on the early resolution of the abductions issue, and gained support of Minister Tumba.
U.S. Africa Command leaders visit DRC
U.S. Africa Command’s Deputy to the Commander for Civil-Military Engagement, Ambassador Andrew Young, and Director of Intelligence, Rear Adm. Heidi Berg, visited the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to demonstrate support for the Congolese commitment to enhancing military professionalism and welcome the countries’ re-established security cooperation relationship, Jan. 27-30. The trip marks the first visit of a U.S. Africa Command delegation to the DRC since the signing of the U.S. and DRC Memorandum of Understanding in October 2020. Leaders emphasized U.S. Africa Command’s commitment to the U.S.-DRC Privileged Partnership for Peace and Prosperity. “The Privileged Partnership for Peace and Prosperity is an example of how we work together, how we set joint objectives and set steps to take together to foster a more stable, secure, and prosperous Democratic Republic of the Congo,” said Young. “With this foundation in place, the DRC can move toward professionalizing its military and contribute to wider peacekeeping operations, thus enhancing regional security while improving the quality of life for the Congolese people.” During the trip, Young and Berg, along with U.S. Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of the Congo Mike Hammer, met with high-level Congolese military and civilian leaders, including President Felix Tshisekedi, Foreign Minister Marie Tumba Nzeza, Defense Minister Aime Ngoy Mukena, Deputy Minister of Defense Sylvain Mutombo, and Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the DRC Gen. Célestin Mbala Munsense. “We are looking to build a new future with a new generation of military leaders and the Democratic Republic of the Congo,” said Berg. During the engagements, the U.S. leaders commended President Tshisekedi’s commitment to professionalize the Congolese military, protect human rights, and make progress on the anti-corruption agenda. "President Tshisekedi's commitment to bringing change to the Congolese people has resulted in concrete progress in combating corruption and protecting human rights, which has been essential in facilitating this high level of military engagement,” Hammer said. “I'm pleased to welcome this delegation from U.S. Africa Command for discussions with Congolese leaders on how a stronger defense partnership can help the DRC achieve its true potential, for the benefit of the Congolese and American people." The DRC and U.S. Africa Command have a history of partnership through Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) participation in U.S.-led military exercises, where emphasis is placed on the value of professional military forces, best practices in military justice, and respect for human rights. “The United States supports the DRC’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its military justice system,” said Hammer. “Therefore, we will continue to explore ways we can advance these efforts as it is in both of our countries’ interest to back the FARDC’s efforts to improve human rights and fight corruption, as well as to hold perpetrators accountable.” The military training and cooperative engagement opportunities that U.S. Africa Command offers to partners is unique and allows for mutually beneficial development of each nation’s forces. “We are known for the strength of our military training, the professionalism of our forces, and the quality of our engagements. The DRC has experienced this first hand in our Obangame Express, Flintlock, and Shared Accord military training exercises. We look forward to future cooperative activities with the DRC to include military training, women, peace and security efforts, as well as a host of other activities,” said Berg. Addressing mutual security challenges requires a steadfast commitment and partnership. “Overcoming security challenges and today's complex global problem sets requires tenacity, leadership, understanding, enhanced capabilities, cooperation, and partnerships,” said Young. “This engagement helps solidify each and charts the future of our new partnership.” The delegation also participated in a roundtable discussion with representatives from Congolese civil society, including from human rights, women’s, and youth organizations. It was important to hear their perspectives on the progress that has happened in the last two years but also the challenges that persist. “Partnership in Africa is on the rise,” said Berg. “It’s important we continue to look for ways to work together toward shared security goals.” Young echoed the importance of future engagement. "The work of today sets the stage for security, stability, and prosperity possibilities. It opens the door to a stronger future," said Young.
Luanda - Angola and Rwanda have been urged to promote actions for a closer relationship between the authorities and the armed groups in Central African Republic (CAR), with a view to ensuring the achievement of peace in that country.
The decision is contained in the final communiqué of the 2nd Mini-summit of Heads of State and Government of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), which discussed the political and security situation in CAR. The Mini-Summit was held in the Angolan capital, Luanda, under the auspices of the President João Lourenço, who heads ICGLR. According to the statement, the work team will be chaired by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Angola and Rwanda, in collaboration with Central African authorities. The note adds that the Central African authorities should take action to implement the recommendations resulting from consultations with the country's armed groups. After "a deep reflection" on the situation in CAR, the Heads of State and Government decided to engage, even, the international partners in the achievement of peace, stability and security in the Central African Republic, in the spirit of the Dialogue's roadmap Republican. Encourage efforts to restore state authority throughout Central African territory, in favor of peace and its socio-economic development, as well as the revitalisation of the political agreement for peace and reconciliation, in the search for a lasting solution to the crisis in that country. The Mini-Summit also mandated the acting Presidents of ICGLR and ECCAS, João Lourenço and Denis Sassou N'Guesso, respectively, to take steps with the United Nations Security Council to lift the arms embargo on the CAR. The Heads of State and Government call on the International Community, in particular the United Nations (UN), to join regional efforts to revitalise the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation. The meeting was attended by the presidents of the Central African Republic, Faustin Archange Touadera; Republic of Congo, Denis Sassou N'Guesso, and Rwanda, Paul Kagame. Also present were Ibrahim Gabir Ibrahim, member of the Sudanese Transitional Sovereign Council; Marie Tumba Nzeza, Minister of State and Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Head of diplomacy of Cameroon, Lejeune Mbella Mbella; the chairman of the ECCAS Commission, Gilberto da Piedade Veríssimo; and the executive secretary of this organisation, João Samuel Caholo, also joined the event. The Mini-summit started with a minute's silence in honor of the President of Chad (ICGLR member state), Idriss Déby Itno, who died on Tuesday.