African leaders back DR Congo president-elect, calls on runner-up to accept defeat

Days after the Constitutional Court of the Democratic Republic of Congo confirmed Felix Tshisekedi as the winner of the just concluded polls, the president-elect has continued to receive backing from African leaders.

South African president Cyril Ramaphosa congratulated Tshisekedi on Monday and in a statement “called on all parties and all stakeholders in the DRC to respect the decision of the Constitutional Court”.

The presidents of Kenya, Tanzania and Burundi congratulated Tshisekedi in a series of Tweets on Sunday, echoing the Southern African Development Community (SADC) – a bloc that includes South Africa and Angola – which also called for the transition of power to remain peaceful, backing off from earlier calls for a recount.

Read also: Trump demands funds for controversial wall, says Mexico border poses serious security threat to US

Meanwhile, calls have continued to mount for election runner-up Martin Fayulu to accept the outcome of the election which was reportedly marred by irregularities.

Some Congolese hope Fayulu would accept defeat in the interest of peace.

“He (Fayulu) needs to let it go. Going to the Constitutional Court and all that is just creating problems and for me it’s a waste of time,” said Kinshasa resident Patricia Mokabi.

“We are all Congolese, we are together whether it is Felix or Fayulu, they can work together.”

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now