A major political shake-up may be looming in the Democratic Republic of Congo. President Félix Tshisekedi appears poised to launch a sweeping government reshuffle a move that has been the subject of growing speculation for weeks and now seems to be all but confirmed.
According to sources close to the presidency, during a high-level Council of Ministers meeting on July 25th, President Tshisekedi openly signaled that several ministers would soon be leaving their posts. Witnesses in the room say the President hinted it was the last cabinet meeting for some, referencing an upcoming “downsizing.”
The proposed changes are expected to do more than just shuffle chairs. Two major shifts are on the table: a significant reduction in the size of the cabinet, and the inclusion of new political voices, likely from opposition ranks — part of what analysts believe is a broader effort to forge national unity.
Financial reform is also in focus. The administration has pledged a 30% cut in ministerial and institutional operating budgets. Public officials and institutional heads are also facing salary reductions as part of a cost-control initiative amid economic pressures.
Politically, the reshuffle appears to be an answer to nationwide consultations held earlier this year by presidential advisor Eberande Kolongele, especially in the context of persistent instability in the eastern provinces. President Tshisekedi has recently held behind-the-scenes talks with opposition leaders, hoping to build a stronger coalition against armed groups wreaking havoc in the region.
And the discontent doesn’t stop with the opposition. In a candid moment back in February, the President voiced disappointment with members of his own Sacred Union coalition. Speaking before lawmakers and political allies, he criticized their lack of mobilization in support of national defense efforts, lamenting, quote: “I haven’t observed many individuals stepping up to encourage our youth to enlist and defend the homeland. I regret that.”
While no official list of outgoing or incoming ministers has been released, the developments mark a pivotal moment in Congolese politics as President Tshisekedi reshapes his government ahead of growing security and economic challenges.
We will continue to follow this story as it unfolds.
Reporting by Ehud Jones.
