Felix Tshisekedi Named President of The Democratic Republic of Congo

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is once again in the spotlight as President Felix Tshisekedi secures victory in the highly contested December 20 election. However, the results have sparked condemnation from various opposition candidates who label the election a “sham” and demand a rerun.

Election Results and Controversies

President Tshisekedi emerged victorious with approximately 73% of the vote, leaving his closest rival, Moise Katumbi, with 18%. The election faced significant issues, including delayed openings of two-thirds of polling stations and malfunctions in 30% of voting machines on the first day. Millions of voters endured long waits, with some ultimately abandoning the process. Opposition leaders argue that these challenges were part of a systematic plan to rig the results in favor of President Tshisekedi.

Opposition’s Call for Protests

In response to the announcement, several main challengers have called for mass protests. A joint statement from the opposition urges the people to take to the streets, denouncing the electoral fraud. The deployment of the army in parts of the capital, Kinshasa, aims to prevent unrest, while Tshisekedi’s supporters celebrate the victory on the streets.

Political Landscape and Family Legacy

Felix Tshisekedi, the son of veteran opposition leader Etienne Tshisekedi, secured his first term in 2019. Despite this victory, previous elections, including one contested by Martin Fayulu, have raised questions about the credibility of the electoral system. Fayulu, who garnered 5% in the recent election, had claimed victory in the 2019 poll, with backing from the influential Catholic Church.

About Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), located in Central Africa, is the largest country in sub-Saharan Africa with a diverse landscape and rich natural resources. Despite its potential wealth, the country has a history marked by political instability, conflicts, and the exploitation of resources contributing to humanitarian crises. With a complex tapestry of over 200 ethnic groups, French serves as the official language.

Socioeconomic Challenges and Infrastructure

The DRC, four times the size of France, grapples with inadequate infrastructure, hindering the electoral process and everyday life. With over two-thirds of its 100 million population living below the poverty line, the nation faces substantial economic and developmental challenges.