When Democratic Republic of Congo’s President Felix Tshisekedi was declared the winner of another disputed election on Sunday, he pledged to be a leader for all its 100 million people.
Accusations of electoral fraud and political repression from opposition leaders are likely to cloud his second term as they did his first, with his main rivals rejecting Sunday’s outcome and calling for a rerun.
Tshisekedi, speaking to supporters at his campaign headquarters in Kinshasa, appealed for unity, stating, “It is with a spirit of openness that I’ll govern during this second term.” He added that he would focus on creating jobs, security, and a more diversified and competitive economy.
The result sets the stage for a tense political standoff and the potential for violence, as was seen following contested polls in 2018, 2011, and 2006. It could also have international ramifications, as Congo is the world’s top supplier of cobalt and its third-biggest copper producer.
Son of opposition leader Etienne Tshisekedi, Felix Tshisekedi inherited his father’s substantial support base after his death in 2017. However, vote tallies at the time showed second-placed opposition candidate Martin Fayulu as the victor in 2018, causing Fayulu to suspect a deal between Tshisekedi and outgoing president Joseph Kabila.
With Kabila’s help, Tshisekedi was able to garner support in parliament and security institutions, though the alliance quickly fell apart as he moved to place supporters in key positions.
When launching his campaign for re-election, Tshisekedi told supporters he needed more time to consolidate gains and deliver on promises, even as critics accused him of falling short and stifling dissent. Rival candidates, including Fayulu and Moise Katumbi, called for protests against the “sham election”.
While economic growth rose sharply under Tshisekedi’s watch, little of the proceeds reached the majority of the population. Additionally, the cost of living soared and the Congolese franc depreciated, with annual inflation running at over 30% in December.
Despite declaring a state of siege in two eastern provinces in May 2021 and increasing defense spending, Tshisekedi struggled to contain the numerous armed groups behind attacks that have killed thousands and displaced nearly 7 million in the east.
In a worrying development, Corneille Nangaa, leader of an alliance that includes rebels and political groupings in eastern Congo, rejected the election and vowed on Sunday to “march to Kinshasa.” (Writing by Bate Felix; Editing by Alexandra Zavis and Nick Macfie)
