Félix Tshisekedi officially commenced his second, and presumably final, term on Saturday. During his inauguration, the president set the agenda for the next five years, addressing key concerns of the Congolese people, including unemployment, purchasing power, youth, women, national cohesion, and security. While the chapter of the presidential election is closed, attention now turns to the Parliament.
The new chamber is set to be installed on January 29. “However, forming a majority will not pose a challenge,” notes Giscard Kusema from the Congolese presidency. The Sacred Union for the Nation, the coalition that supported Félix Tshisekedi’s candidacy, is expected to occupy over 400 of the 500 seats in the Assembly.
The choice of the Prime Minister remains a crucial decision. Will it come from the UDPS, the presidential party, which, with its diverse political affiliations, secured nearly 140 seats? “Nothing is confirmed yet,” stated the party’s Secretary-General, Augustin Kabuya, last week. Allies such as Vital Kamerhe’s UNC, Modeste Bahati’s AFDC, or Jean-Pierre Bemba’s MLC could also contend for the position.
Furthermore, the stance of the opposition needs to be observed. Will Moïse Katumbi’s camp participate in this legislative session? Olivier Kamitatu, his chief of staff, acknowledged on RFI that the policy of empty chairs benefited no one, but the official position of the party is still under discussion.
During his inauguration, President Tshisekedi extended an olive branch to the opposition, calling for the designation of a spokesperson. For Martin Fayulu’s camp, who finished third in the presidential election, this gesture does not alter their demand for the annulment of all the ballots. As the political landscape in the Democratic Republic of Congo evolves, the parliamentary proceedings will shape the trajectory of governance and political dynamics in the coming years.