Congolese President Tshisekedi sworn in for second term after disputed vote
Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi was sworn in for a second five-year term on Saturday after a landslide victory his opponents have refused to recognise due to widespread irregularities over the December general election.
Authorities have acknowledged there were issues but dismissed allegations the vote was stolen. The fractious standoff echoes previous electoral disputes that fuelled unrest in Africa’s second-largest country, with protests breaking out in two eastern cities.
Tshisekedi took the oath of office in a stadium in the capital Kinshasa packed with flag-waving supporters, government officials, African heads of state and foreign envoys including from the United States, China, and France.
In a speech, he acknowledged the nation’s hopes of better living conditions and economic opportunities. Around 62% of Congo’s 100 million people live on less than a dollar a day.
“I am aware of your expectations,” he said. “A goal of this new five-year term is to create more jobs.”
He also promised “a profound restructuring of our security and defence apparatus” and further diplomatic efforts to address Congo’s long-running security crisis in eastern provinces.
Choirs signing the Hallelujah chorus from Handel’s Messiah, marching military bands, and a 21-cannon salute marked his inauguration.
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