DRC : President Félix Tshisekedi takes the oath of office this Saturday for his second term
The Constitutional Court, in its ruling on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, confirmed the results of the National Independent Electoral Commission (CENI), proclaiming Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi as President of the Republic. Félix Tshisekedi is now credited with 73.47% of the votes (13,058,962 votes), far ahead of Moïse Katumbi Chapwe, Martin Fayulu Madidi, and Adolphe Muzito.
In accordance with the provisions of Article 74 of the Constitution of the Republic, the elected President takes office within ten days following the proclamation of the final results of the presidential election. The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for this Saturday, January 20, 2024, in front of the judges of the same High Court, led by Dieudonné Kamuleta Badibanga.
The parade and the firing of 21 cannon shots are part of the activities of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo during this ceremony at the Stade des Martyrs de la Pentecôte. During a press briefing held on Friday, January 19, 2024, the government spokesperson, Patrick Muyaya, reassured the public by stating that measures have been taken to minimize the damage caused by the firing of 21 cannon shots. According to him, this is part of the protocol activities during the inauguration of a new President of the Republic.
It should be noted that 18 heads of state are expected, as well as four former presidents of the Republic and other government delegations and representatives from countries in the region. In response to whether invitations were sent to opposition political leaders, Serge Tshibangu, High Representative of President Félix Tshisekedi and supervisor of the preparations for the inauguration ceremony, revealed that there were no targeted invitations for political actors from the Sacred Union and those of the opposition, but everyone is invited to honor their President in unity.
