Brigitte Nsensele Wa Nsensele: Breaking Barriers in Leadership
In a groundbreaking move, Brigitte Nsensele Wa Nsensele was appointed as the First President of the State Council of the Democratic Republic of Congo on January 16, 2025. With a degree in private and judicial law from the University of Kinshasa, she succeeds Marthe Odio Nonde, who has now been appointed as a judge at the Constitutional Court. This appointment signifies a significant step towards institutionalizing the presence of women in key positions in the country.
Mamitsho Pontshia: Shattering Glass Ceilings in Aviation
On the same day, another remarkable advancement took place with the appointment of Mamitsho Pontshia as the Deputy General Director of the national aviation company Congo Airways. This decision, also announced on January 16, underscores the increasing importance of women in strategic sectors of the country.
Néné Nkulu: A Political Paradigm Shift
On January 11, 2025, a historic moment unfolded for the political party AFBC (Alliance of Forces for the Well-being of Congolese) and its founder, Nene Nkulu. This political group officially departed from Joseph Kabila’s FCC (Common Front for Congo) to join the republican opposition, while expressing support for the Republic’s institutions, particularly for the restoration of peace in the Eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Maria Sarungi Tsehai: A Harrowing Ordeal for Human Rights
Beyond the borders of the DRC, Tanzanian activist Maria Sarungi Tsehai, known for her advocacy for freedom of expression and women’s rights, was abducted in the heart of Nairobi on January 12. She was released a few hours later under the pressure of several NGOs. This incident highlights the risks faced by human rights activists in certain regions of Africa.