The president of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Felix Tshisekedi, was sworn in Saturday, January 20, following a disputed December election, promising to unite the country during his second five-year term and to protect lives in the conflict-hit eastern region.
“I am taking back the baton of command that you entrusted to me. We want a more united, stronger and prosperous Congo,” Tshikedi, 60, said during the inauguration ceremony attended by several heads of state.
Tshisekedi won re-election with more than 70% of the vote, according to the election commission.
However, opposition candidates and their supporters questioned the validity of the election, which was mired in logistical problems. Many polling stations were late in opening or didn’t open at all while some lacked materials. Voter turnout was 40%, the election commission said.
With tensions simmering in the vast nation’s volatile eastern provinces, the 60-year-old president known as “Fatshi” picked Kinshasa’s 80,000-capacity Martyrs sports stadium for the ceremony.
The stands were packed well before midday with singing and dancing in full flow awaiting the arrival of what the authorities said would be some 20 invited heads of African states.
