LIVE: Felix Tshisekedi Sworn-in as President of Democratic Republic of Congo

Despite reports that the DRC elections were marred with irregularities and accusations of an alleged deal between President Joseph Kabila and Felix Tshisekedi for the latter to become president of the country, Tshisekedi has been sworn-in as president.

This occasion was the first transfer through an election in 59 years since independence. Tshsekedi makes history as the first democratically elected leader.

In his speech after his swearing-in as president, a visibly delighted Tshisekedi said he will lead a country which will be free from "division, hate or tribalism."

The Catholic church, whose candidate Martin Fayulu won the pre-election polls, has refused to accept the elections saying is it an election coup.

Thousands of Tshisekedi supporters, many of them dressed in white, gathered outside the Palace of the Nation, the seat of the presidency in capital Kinshasa, to celebrate the historic event.

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Tshisekedi's first assignment a president will be to appoint a prime minister from Joseph Kabila’s party due to the fact that they won majority seats in the house of Senates.

Brief about President-Elect Felix Tshisekedi

1 – Full name: Felix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, born on June 13, 1963 – aged 56

2 – Son of veteran opposition leader, late Etienne Tshisekedi. Dad founded Union for Democracy and Social Progress, UDPS, in 1982.

3 – In the early twenties, went to Belgium for university education, later became national secretary for external affairs for the UDPS, based in Brussels.

4 – Father died in early 2017, UPDS picked Felix as party leader and by default presidential candidate.

5 – Joined and abandoned Lamuka coalition. Weeks later he announced a two-man coalition with Vital Kamerhe, the CACH coalition, in Nairobi.

6 – Declared president-elect after December 30, 2018 elections.

Country Profile: Democratic Republic of Congo

1 – National capital / official languages = Kinshasa / French

2 – Currency in circulation = ‎ Congolese franc

3 – Current political leader = Joseph Kabila

4 – Population estimate = 83,301,151 (July 2017 est.)

5 – Date of independence = June 30, 1960.

6 – Country codes: telephone ‎(+243), internet (.cd)

Bio Credit: Africa News

Header Image Credit: Digitalcongo