The Southern African Development Community on Sunday congratulated President-elect Felix Tshisekedi and Congo for conducting elections in a peaceful manner “despite the security and logistical challenges.”
SADC congratulates Tshisekedi on election victory
The 16-nation regional bloc had last week called for a unity government and possible recount.
#SADC congratulates President-Elect of #DRCongo, Mr Felix Tshisekedi & calls upon all stakeholders to support the President-elect & his Government in maintaining unity, peace & stability; and in attaining socio-economic development in the country https://t.co/4n4ZITndpi pic.twitter.com/v8448yWg2S— SADC Secretariat (@SADC_News) January 20, 2019
The group “calls upon all Congolese to accept the outcome, and consolidate democracy and maintain a peaceful and stable environment following the landmark elections.” The body called on “all stakeholders to support the President-elect and his government in maintaining unity, peace and stability; and attaining socio-economic development in DRC (Congo). SADC looks forward to a peaceful transfer of power to the President-elect.”
Tanzania’s President John Magufuli also sent congratulations on Twitter.
“I congratulate HE. Felix Tshisekedi on his election as President of the DRC (Congo). While congratulating all the Congolese, I beseech you to maintain peace and affirm my commitment to furthering our historic and brotherly ties,” he wrote.
Following the judgement by the High Constitutional Court. I congratulate HE. Felix Tshisekedi on his election as President of the DRC. While congratulating all the Congolese, I beseech you to maintain peace and affirm my commitment to furthering our historic and brotherly ties.— Dr John Magufuli (@MagufuliJP) January 20, 2019
Burundi’s President Pierre Nkurunziza congratulated Congo’s President elect Felix Tshisekedi and the Congolese people on the election result.
“Through a fully organized electoral process without outside influence and the wisdom of President Kabila, Congo has just defended its dignity and sovereignty. #Burundi congratulates the elected President, HE Felix A. Tshisekedi and the step taken by the Congolese people. “
Par un processus électoral entièrement organisé sans influence extérieure et la sagesse du Président Kabila, la #RDC vient de défendre sa dignité et sa souveraineté. Le #Burundi félicite le Président élu, SE Félix A. Tshisekedi ainsi que le pas franchi par le Peuple Congolais.— Pierre Nkurunziza (@pnkurunziza) January 20, 2019
Congo’s Constitutional court confirmed the victory of Felix Tshisekedi, dismissing the claims of massive vote fraud by runner-up Martin Fayulu.
Tshisekedi’s supporters celebrated the court decision, announced early Sunday, by driving their motorcycles and cars in a procession through Kinshasa. Later the capital city was quiet, with people attending church. Other cities across Congo were also reported to be quiet.
Ramaphosa & SADC quick to congratulate Tshisekedi as new president, effectively the AU heads of state mission that was due to arrive tomorrow #DRC #RDC #DRCongoElections2018 https://t.co/2MQXCzDaWT— Philip Amaral (@AmaralPhilip) January 20, 2019
But Fayulu’s declaration that he is Congo’s “only legitimate president” and call for the Congolese people to peacefully protest what he called a “constitutional coup d’etat” threatened to keep the country in a political crisis that has been simmering since the Dec. 30 elections.
Tshisekedi welcomed the court’s decision confirming him as the winner of the presidential election saying it was a victory for the entire country.
I now consider myself as the sole legitimate President-elect of the #DRC. Therefore, I ask the Congolese people not to recognize any individual who would claim this authority illegally nor to obey orders that would emanate from such a person. #RDCVote #DRCElections pic.twitter.com/V2UaHm3A8L— Martin Fayulu (@MartinFayulu) January 20, 2019
Thread #DRC These are very strong words from #Fayulu. A direct challenge to #Tshisekedi and by extension #Kabila who still controls all significant levers of power https://t.co/dbyBO5zPWa— Fergal Keane (@fergalkeane47) January 20, 2019
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