Felix Tshisekedi Sworn in for Second Term After Controversial Election

Oluwasegun SanusiJanuary 22, 20241 Mins read417

Felix Tshisekedi has been sworn in for a second term as president of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In a ceremony held at the Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa, the incumbent leader was sworn in for a second term as president of the crisis-ridden Central African country.

The event, attended by thousands of Congolese citizens and several African heads of state and foreign envoys, marked the beginning of President Tshisekedi’s new term.

During his inaugural speech, President Tshisekedi pledged to unite the country and address the armed conflicts that have plagued the eastern regions, leading to the displacement of millions.

Despite securing victory with 73 percent of the vote according to the electoral commission, the election had been marred by disputes, with nine opposition candidates rejecting the results, citing widespread vote rigging and malpractices.

In response to the contested election results, opposition figures have called for nationwide protests, demanding a rerun of the election.

Despite the dismissal of a petition, several parts of the opposition have continued to reiterate a call for mass action.

The government hasin turn, issued warnings of a potential crackdown on such protests, escalating tensions in an already politically charged atmosphere.

Presidential Candidate Theodore Ngoy highlighted the historical option of contesting election results through street protests, pointing to the president’s history of taking to the streets for similar reasons.

As President Tshisekedi begins his second term, he faces a nation grappling with internal divisions, economic challenges, and heightened insecurity in the east.