KINSHASA: Felix Tshisekedi, the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), took the oath for a second five-year term on Saturday, following elections that the opposition labeled as a sham, prompting calls for protests. The swearing-in ceremony, held at Kinshasa’s Martyrs sports stadium, attracted a massive crowd, with tensions simmering particularly in the eastern provinces of the vast nation.
President Tshisekedi, known as “Fatshi,” declared before the judges of the Constitutional Court his commitment to defend the constitution and laws of the Republic, emphasizing the need to maintain independence and the integrity of the territory. The event was attended by approximately 20 heads of African states, and traditional chiefs from the 26 provinces of the Central African country conveyed their greetings.
In his inaugural speech, Tshisekedi acknowledged the expectations of the people, addressing issues such as unemployment, youth, women, and national cohesion. The president, who first took office in January 2019, promised improvements in living conditions and an end to the years of bloodshed in the eastern regions, though challenges remain.
DR Congo Opposition Figures Reject Election Results
Opposition figures, including Moise Katumbi and Martin Fayulu, who secured distant second and third places in the elections, have rejected the results, calling for the cancellation of the election outcomes. The electoral commission recognized instances of fraud, vandalism, and intimidation, leading to the annulment of votes for 82 candidates in the general election.
Security concerns exist in the DRC, especially in the eastern provinces where violence has resumed between the army and M23 rebels, backed by neighboring Rwanda. International involvement is increasing, with troops from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) arriving to address the security challenges.
