Alphonsine Cheusi: First female member of DRC’s constitutional court

In the history of the Democratic Republic of Congo, men have always been appointed members of the country’s constitutional court. However, Alphonsine Kalume Cheusi has been appointed a member of DRC’s constitutional court, and she is the first Congolese woman to receive such a an honour.

Alphonsine Kalume Cheusi’s career so far has been extremely colourful.

After earning her state diploma in 1974, in 1983, she graduated from the University of Kinshasa with a degree in Economic Law. 1987 began her career to greatness. She served her country as the head of the Unique Division of the Right Freedom and Citizen Department.

Two years down the line, Cheusi got a provisional appointment as the Magistrate. In the same year, 1989, she was made the first deputy prosecutor and assigned to a prosecutor’s office in Kalamu, a municipality of the Funa district in DRC. 

Strongly pursuing her career, in 2013, Cheusi was made an advisor to the Supreme Court of Justice in 2013 and in 2018, she was made an advisor to the Council of State.

As her appointment goes down in the history books, it still comes as a surprise to others. Though the appointment is not a surprise to her because she was born ready.

Alphonsine Kalume Asengo Cheusi was sworn in on by the country’s President Felix Tshisekedi.