Chapter 6
The Student Who Failed Economics
Judith Suminwa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Judith Suminwa’s first press conference as prime minister, April 2024.
Video from FRANCE 24, in French. Open it on YouTube
Also worth a look: Her speech to the UN Human Rights Council, February 2025, from UN Human Rights Council.
Think about it
Judith became prime minister in the middle of a war she didn’t start. How should we judge a leader who takes over in a crisis? By whether she solves it, or by how she handles it?
More questions from this chapter
- The failed exam. You fail a subject you wanted to study. Do you drop it forever, or find another way back to it? Judith found another way.
- No negotiation. Her government said it would not negotiate with the rebels attacking it, but later signed peace agreements. When is it right to refuse to talk, and when is it right to make a deal?
Your turn: Have you ever failed at something, then tried again a different way? What did you learn the second time?
For parents and teachers: these videos come from news organizations and official channels. You may want to watch first with younger readers.