By Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Africanews
Published on 2024-01-20 16:24:07
Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi was inaugurated for his second five-year term on Saturday, pledging to unite the Central African country and address the ongoing conflict in the eastern region. The 60-year-old Tshisekedi emphasized his commitment to creating a more united, stronger, and prosperous Congo during the ceremony, which was attended by several heads of state. His initial inauguration in 2019 marked the first democratic transfer of power in Congo since its independence from Belgium in 1960.
Tshisekedi was reelected with over 70% of the vote, as reported by the election commission. However, the validity of the election was questioned by opposition candidates and their supporters due to logistical problems. Many polling stations experienced delayed openings or did not open at all, while others lacked necessary materials. The voter turnout was only 40%, according to the election commission.
Despite the opposition’s concerns, Congo’s constitutional court rejected a petition to annul the election, stating that Tshisekedi had secured “a majority of votes cast.” While opposition candidates called for protests against the inauguration, there were no reported protests in the capital, Kinshasa, on Saturday.
Congo, a nation with over 100 million people, possesses abundant mineral resources, but economic and security challenges have hindered its progress. According to U.N. statistics, one in four citizens faces crisis or emergency levels of food insecurity.
President Tshisekedi’s second term comes with the promise to address these pressing issues and to foster unity throughout the country. With the support of the international community and the determination of the Congolese people, Tshisekedi aims to lead Congo towards a more stable and prosperous future.
