DRC : When President Félix Tshisekedi zooms in on the priorities of his new five-year term

During the New Year’s exchange of wishes with accredited diplomats in the DRC at the Palace of the Nation, Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi once again emphasized the six major commitments of his new five-year term : « more jobs, more purchasing power, more security for all, a more diversified and competitive economy, greater access to basic services, and more efficient public services ».

On this occasion, Félix Tshisekedi reassured that the Democratic Republic of the Congo would remain a space open to win-win partnerships, mutually respecting national laws, in line with his new societal project centered on the six commitments. « At the beginning of this year, and as the Congolese people have just renewed their trust in me, I want to reassure all our partners, both national and international, of our commitment to maintaining the level of engagement recorded so far with the international community. Indeed, the Democratic Republic of the Congo will remain a space for cooperation open to all win-win partnerships, in strict compliance with national laws and in accordance with my new societal project », reassured Félix Tshisekedi in his speech.

Furthermore, Félix Tshisekedi addressed the political context characterized on the continent by the resurgence of unconstitutional changes of governments, the decline of fundamental freedoms, and the fragility of institutions. Despite these challenges, according to Félix Tshisekedi, there are notable bright spots maintaining the horizon of democracy in Africa, as evidenced by various peaceful elections held in many African states, and for which he « congratulates » the fortunate winners.

On Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at the Palace of the Nation during the traditional New Year’s exchange of wishes with accredited diplomats in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, President Félix Tshisekedi expressed this request. According to Félix Tshisekedi, this approach stems from his country’s commitment, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to serve the community of nations adequately.

« I would like to recall the two candidacies expressed by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, respectively as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, a candidacy proposed by the African Union for the period 2026-2027, and as a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council for the period 2025-2026. Elections for these positions will take place in 2025 for the Security Council and during this year for the Human Rights Council. While hoping for the support of your capitals, I thank in advance the member countries for the attention they will kindly give to our participation in the United Nations system », pleaded the leader who has been re-elected for a second term at the helm of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Trésor Obiang