Felix Tshisekedi, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, was inaugurated for his second term following a contentious December election. During the swearing-in ceremony, Tshisekedi, 60, vowed to foster unity across the Central African nation and address the ongoing conflict in the eastern region. He emphasized his commitment to a stronger, united, and prosperous Congo. This marks his second five-year term and follows Congo’s first democratic transfer of power since its independence from Belgium in 1960.
The election commission declared Tshisekedi the winner with over 70% of the vote, amidst logistical challenges and allegations of fraud from the opposition. Despite voter turnout being only 40%, the constitutional court dismissed the opposition’s petition to annul the election, affirming Tshisekedi’s majority win. The opposition’s call for protests against the inauguration did not manifest in significant demonstrations in Kinshasa, the capital.
UN peacekeepers patrol areas roamed by M23 rebels fighters in North Kivu, in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, in March 2022. © Djaffar Sabiti, Reuters
Congo, a nation with rich mineral resources, faces significant economic and security challenges. One in four citizens is struggling with food insecurity at crisis or emergency levels. Analysts are particularly concerned about the eastern Congo, which needs peace and stability, especially as the U.N. peacekeeping mission concludes after two decades. The departure of troops from an East African regional force adds to the urgency of the situation. Citizens like Patrick Mbembe, 48, expect significant improvements, particularly in the eastern region, from President Tshisekedi’s new term.
