By RFIPosted 24-01-2019Modified on 24-01-2019 at 05:29

Joseph Kabila must give up his place to Felix Tshisekedi to the presidency of the Democratic Republic of Congo this Thursday, January 24. Crossed portrait of the now ex-president and his successor.

Both bear a heavy political legacy: " They are the sons of their fathers, " ironically comments a fellow Congolese. Two fathers - Etienne Tshisekedi and Laurent-Desire Kabila - who are in History, with a big "H", from the DRC.

One was the Sphynx of Limit , the other the Mzee, the sage . Joseph Kabila has never had a nickname. As for Felix Tshisekedi, his supporters called him "Fatshi" during the election campaign, but it's a simple contraction of Félix Antoine Tshilombo Tshisekedi. " It's as if Felix and Joseph had not yet earned their credentials, " concludes the Congolese journalist interviewed. Two charismatic fathers, we can say, who have long eclipsed their offspring.

Joseph Kabila, silent, has a taste for secrecy. " Sometimes insensible " for his entourage, " a dangerous man " for his opponents, who appreciates the solitary power.

revenge

At 55, Felix Tshisekedi succeeds where his father Etienne the historical opponent failed. He is said to be a more diplomatic and conciliatory, even courteous, than his father, reputed proud and stubborn. And more to listen to others. A kind of anti-Sphynx. In its jovial, round, the new president is determined and determined, say his relatives.

Felix Tshisekedi has spent a large part of his political career in Brussels, becoming the UDPS national secretary in charge of the exterior. But when the health of his father declines, pushed by his mother, Mamma Marthe and party cadres, Fatshi, as it is nicknamed, gradually takes the reins of the UDPS , a true electoral machine, not without contestation.

Especially at the time, in 2015, the historic opposition party is already starting discreet discussions with Joseph Kabila who is doing everything to extend his second and last term. But Felix Tshisekedi asserts himself during the two political dialogues of the end of 2016. Twice, Joseph Kabila manages to debauch a UDPS executive, but never him.

Qualified as influential by his critics, praised by his supporters for listening to his base, Felix Tshisekedi slams the door last November when he is not chosen as the only candidate of the opposition. And when his rivals set conditions for their participation in the polls, Fatshi decides to go, whatever the cost. " It's because Etienne preferred to be an opponent that his son is willing to make concessions to govern, " says a family member.

The two men will now have to live together. Some talk about a tandem.

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