Published on 22/01/2024
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Felix Tshisekedi, in his inaugural speech, invited the opposition to play a part in building the country as he laid the blueprint for his second term.
Addressing supporters, 21 African heads of state, and numerous diplomats from across the world at the 80 000-capacity Martyrs Stadium in Kinshasa on Saturday, he said “the harder the fight, the greater the victory” in reference to his 70% haul at the polls, despite contestations.
After, at times, highly divisive campaigning, Tshisekedi invited the opposition into decision-making.
“So, ladies and gentlemen, you [the opposition] are an integral part of today’s event, and you rightly have your place in the governance of our country.
“In my capacity as guarantor of national cohesion, I shall see to it, in the same way that I shall urge parliament to ensure the effectiveness of the role of spokesman for the opposition, which the latter may wish to designate, in accordance with the constitution,” he said.
Tshisekedi then promised the following:
- Employment creation through entrepreneurship, particularly among young people, and by means of a proactive approach inspired by the country’s social realities.
- To protect household purchasing power by stabilising inflation and controlling the exchange rate.
- Ensuring, much more effectively, the security of DRC communities, territory, and property, as well as the preservation of national interests, by means of an in-depth restructuring of the security and defence apparatus, and via diplomacy.
- To diversify the economy and increase its competitiveness by opting to process homegrown agricultural and raw mining products.
- To guarantee greater access to basic services by ensuring the extension of programmes such as universal health coverage, and free education.
Tshisekedi thanked Angola, Congo (Brazzaville) and Egypt for helping the country’s electoral body, known by its French name, Commission Electorale Nationale Independante, to overcome logistical challenges.
“On behalf of the Congolese people and on my own behalf, I would particularly like to express my sincere thanks to the United Nations through its Stabilisation Mission for the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as to the Arab Republic of Egypt and the neighbouring republics of Congo and Angola for the logistical support provided to the Independent National Electoral Commission in the final weeks before the polls,” he said.
Eastern neighbour Rwanda was not in attendance.
During the election campaign, Tshisekedi had threatened war against Rwanda over support for M23 rebels.He did not repeat that threat, but reassured the Congolese people he would deal with the rebels.
