By RFIPalled on 24-01-2019Modified on 24-01-2019 at 21:27

The inauguration ceremony of the new President of the Democratic Republic of Congo took place on Thursday, January 24, at midday at the Palace of the Nation. The opponent Felix Tshisekedi became the fifth president of the country, but the first in the history of the country to become democratically. In his inaugural speech, which lasted nearly an hour and during which he had a discomfort, he greeted this historic day.

In the gallery, Joseph Kabila and Felix Tshisekedi were side by side. With them, Kenyan Uhuru Kenyatta, the only foreign head of state to have made the trip to Kinshasa.

The ceremony of inauguration of Felix Tshisekedi Tshilombo, officiated by the Constitutional Court had three highlights. First, the swearing in of the new president of the Democratic Republic of Congo with the delivery of the symbols of power: the emblem, the Constitution and the coat of arms, and the inauguration speech.

In a resolutely unifying speech, Felix Tshisekedi promised to work for " reconciliation " and reached out to his two unfortunate opponents in the presidential election, Emmmanuel Ramazani Shadary and Martin Fayulu. The latter was not present and continues to challenge his defeat .

Felix Tshisekedi extended his hand to MM. Shadary and Fayulu

24-01-2019 - By Florence Morice

Tshisekedi pledges release of all " political prisoners "

If there were few announcements in this rather general speech, Felix Tshisekedi said he was animated by a " great humility " in the face of the " heavy responsibilities " that awaited him and reiterated his priorities: the fight against poverty, pacification, rural development and youth employment.

But for those who hoped for concrete announcements and to mark the beginning of the change hoped for by the Congolese, Felix Tshisekedi still promised to identify all political prisoners. This in view of their very quick release by the future Minister of Justice.

Felix Tshisekedi announces the forthcoming release of political prisoners

24-01-2019 - By Florence Morice

Hand extended to Joseph Kabila, of which Tshisekedi was an opponent

Felix Thisekedi is also committed to fighting corruption, tax evasion and improving respect for human rights. Promising to launch a campaign to sensitize all the agents of the State on " their responsibility vis-à-vis the Congolese population ".

But it was not time for settling scores or criticizing Joseph Kabila's record . The new head of state on the contrary hailed the " determination " of the outgoing president in favor of " democratic and peaceful alternation ".

Felix Tshisekedi congratulated and extended his hand to Joseph Kabila, whom he opposed throughout his political life

24-01-2019 - By Florence Morice

While his supporters sang songs to ask him not to forget the legacy of his father, the very popular Étienne Tshisekedi, the new president promised to follow in the footsteps of the one who, he says, " shaped our political struggle "of the opposition" for four decades ".

Felix Tshisekedi also paid tribute to his father, Etienne

24-01-2019 - By Florence Morice

Sudden discomfort

But then, a moment of stupor: President Felix Tshisekedi remained frozen, as forbidden of any word. His wife, his relatives, the helpers came running and the broadcast of his speech was interrupted for about fifteen minutes ... a heat stroke. Rid of his bulletproof vest, he stood up to continue his speech until the end.

The latter was finally pronounced before a single foreign head of state: the Kenyan Uhuru Kenyatta. A figure far from the 17 announced the day before the ceremony . The other African countries present were represented by lower ranks than the chief executive, such as Tanzania, Gabon, Namibia, Morocco, Burundi, Angola, Congo-Brazzaville or Egypt. In Western countries, the United States and Europeans were represented by their ambassadors.

Inauguration of Félix Tshisekedi in the DRC - Special Edition [19h30-20h]

24-01-2019

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