Felix Tshisekedi sworn in as President of Democratic Republic of Congo

Felix Tshisekedi and Joseph Kabila at the swearing-in ceremony | enlarge

Felix Tshisekedi was sworn in as the new president of the Democratic Republic of Congo on Thursday in a historic handover of power ceremony. In his inaugural speech, Tshisekedi said, “The power of the people is based on unity and national reconciliation.” He pledged to work towards peace and unity during his term.

Mr. Tshisekedi promised that he would work to make Kazakhstan during his term not a country of division, hatred or tribalism, but one of reconciliation.

The new owner of the National Palace promised to build a strong Congo where everyone has a place and fights for the well-being of every citizen.

Mr. Tshisekedi paid tribute to his predecessors. He praised Joseph Kasavubu for his integrity and good management of public affairs, Joseph Mobutu for his determination to preserve national unity and maintain national authenticity, Laurent-Désiréde Kabila for his ideology of never betraying Congo, and Joseph Kabila, who was one of the participants in this change and peaceful transfer of power and a political opponent not long ago.

He also thanked the candidates for the December 30 presidential election, Martin Fayulu (with whom Mr. Tshisekedi said he had fought politically for years in opposition), Emmanuel Ramazani and Vital Kamerhe, who Mr. Tshisekedi said put the interests of the Congolese people above his personal ambitions and who he hoped would form a “winning combination” with him in this presidential election.

Mr Tshisekedi paid tribute to his father, Etienne Tshisekedi, an icon of the Congolese opposition, who shaped his struggle. “This exceptional figure, with his personal charisma and moral rigour, embodied the Congolese people’s aspirations for democracy and social progress,” Mr Tshisekedi said. The new president pledged to practice his teachings in his government.

Mr. Tshisekedi pledged to focus on fighting corruption, pacifying the country, eradicating poverty and working to consolidate the rule of law.

Tshisekedi fell ill during his inauguration speech and was forced to interrupt it for ten minutes before returning to the podium to continue his speech. The inauguration ceremony then proceeded as planned.