DRC – Tshisekedi, 55, took the oath of office before receiving the national flag and a copy of the constitution from outgoing president Joseph Kabila, who is stepping aside after 18 years at the helm of sub-Saharan Africa’s biggest country.
He takes over from Joseph Kabila, who led the country since 2001. Kabila quietly watched from behind his mirrored sunglasses the extraordinary scene of an opposition leader becoming president. When Kabila left the dais, some in the crowd booed.
Tshisekedi appealed for tolerance as questions remained about the disputed December 30 election, calling national reconciliation “one of our priorities.” Congolese largely have accepted his win in the interest of peace.
African leaders have extended congratulatory messages on the newly elected president of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Felix Tshisekedi.
