The president of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Félix Tshisekedi, has appointed a former minister as the country’s first ever female prime minister.

Judith Suminwa Tuluka, a former planning minister, replaces Sama Lukonde who resigned in February.

“I know that the task is great and the challenges are immense, but with the support of the president and that of everyone, we will get there,” Tuluka said.

Her appointment follows a lengthy search for a majority coalition in the National Assembly – a key step before a prime minister could be named and a government formed.

The ruling Union for Democracy and Social Progress party secured the majority position beating the other 44 parties.

Tuluka is expected to name a new cabinet in the coming weeks.