Sama Lukonde Kyenge secured the presidency of the Senate in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in August 2024, winning 84 out of 96 votes. His career spans technical and political roles, moving from engineering training at the Université de Lubumbashi to leadership positions within the national mining sector and successive high-level government appointments under President Félix Tshisekedi.
Early Career and Ministerial Appointment
Born in Paris on 4 August 1977, he is the son of Stéphane Lukonde Kyenge, a political figure from the Katanga region. He entered the political sphere as a member of the Future of Congo party and served as a deputy in the National Assembly. In December 2014, he assumed the role of Minister of Youth, Sports, and Leisure during the presidency of Joseph Kabila. His tenure in this ministerial position lasted ten months, ending when he resigned to align with his party's opposition to Kabila's third-term presidential bid.
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Before his ascension to the premiership, he held significant roles in state-owned enterprises. He served as the deputy general administrator of the Congo National Railway Company. In June 2019, President Félix Tshisekedi appointed him as the Director-General of Gécamines. This company stands as the largest mining operation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and is among the most extensive mining firms on the African continent.
Premiership and Legislative Transition
In February 2021, he was named Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He officially announced his cabinet on 12 April 2021. He remained in this office until 2024, when he resigned on 20 February to serve in the National Assembly as a representative for the Kasenga Territory, a seat secured during the December 2023 general elections. He continued as acting prime minister until the installation of Judith Tuluka’s government on 12 June 2024.
Fast facts
- Born: 4 August 1977, Paris
- Education: Université de Lubumbashi
- Political Party: Future of Congo
- Minister of Youth: 2014-2015
- Director-General of Gécamines: 2019-2021
- Prime Minister of the DR Congo: 2021-2024
- President of the Senate: August 2024-present
Questions readers ask
What was his role before becoming Prime Minister?
He served as the Director-General of the mining company Gécamines and as the deputy general administrator of the Congo National Railway Company.
When did he become President of the Senate?
He was elected to the position on 12 August 2024.
Achievements
- Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (2021–2024)
- Minister of Youth (2014–2015)
- Member of the National Assembly of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Educated at Université de Lubumbashi
