President Mnangagwa congratulates DRC’s President Tshisekedi on re-election victory
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has extended his warm congratulations to President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on his re-election. President Tshisekedi secured over 70 percent of the vote, according to the results announced by the electoral commission. This victory affirms the trust and confidence the Congolese people have placed in his leadership.
In a statement released yesterday afternoon, President Mnangagwa expressed his pleasure in congratulating President Tshisekedi, stating, “I am pleased to warmly congratulate you on your re-election as the President of Democratic Republic of Congo. Your re-election to the highest office is a re-affirmation of the confidence and trust that the people of the Congo have in your leadership to a more prosperous Congo.
“As you assume the onerous responsibilities of the office, I look forward to resuming our cooperation and close personal interaction to enhance the cordial relations that happily subsist between our two fraternal countries for the mutual benefit of our peoples.”
President Mnangagwa also conveyed his commitment to working closely with President Tshisekedi at regional, continental, and international levels to advance common goals and aspirations.
“I also wish to assure you of my continued readiness to work with you at the regional, continental and international levels to advance common aspirations,” said President Mnangagwa.
Furthermore, President Mnangagwa wished President Tshisekedi good health and success in his endeavours to lead the DRC to prosperity. He also expressed his desire for peace and stability for the Congolese people.
President Tshisekedi emerged victorious in the election, surpassing businessman Moise Katumbi, came a distant second place with a mere 18 percent of the vote. Former oil company executive Martin Fayulu received 5 percent of the vote, while physician and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr. Denis Mukwege garnered less than 1 percent.
The election witnessed a turnout of just over 40 percent, and the results will now be sent to the constitutional court for confirmation. Candidates who disagree with the results have two days to file their claims, and the constitutional court has seven days to make a decision.
Final results are expected to be announced on January 10. If there are no challenges, President Tshisekedi is anticipated to be sworn in at the end of the month.
Opposition parties in the DRC, as in Zimbabwe, rejected the results even before their official announcement, claiming that the polls were neither free nor fair. However, they have not provided substantiation for their claims.
Tensions escalated last week when supporters of Mr Fayulu clashed with police officers in Kinshasa. Tear gas was deployed by the police to disperse protesters who were throwing stones near the opposition party’s headquarters.
