There were no official activities to mark the 64th independence anniversary in the Democratic Republic of Congo, but President Félix Tshisekedi used his speech to brag about his accomplishments. Since then, he has been sharply criticized by opposition figures who say he indulged in demagoguery.
The opposition leader, Moïse Katumbi, said in anger, “Nothing is working; the suffering is total.” He wondered how anybody could celebrate June 30th when, in the east of the country, people die every day. “The social services are failing, there is interference in the judiciary, and instead of reducing the state’s expenses to aid the population, we foster hatred, tribalism, nepotism, criminality, and banditry,” Katumbi complained.
Katumbi said that the DRC has lacked visionary leadership 64 years since it gained independence. Martin Fayulu blamed Tshisekedi for the whole situation in which the country finds itself, from insecurity in the East to general corruption.
“It is imperative to shed light on all corruption cases and embezzlement of public funds recorded to date. All perpetrators, past and present, must be brought to justice,” Fayulu asserted.
According to citizen movement Lucha, 1960 marked the end of Belgian colonization, starting that of a “rotating oligarchic caste.”
“Voracious appetites for profit” drove the current government to compromise on the independence and sovereignty attained by the country, Lucha accused.
These critiques come at a time when the nation is considering its 64 years of independence and underpin the call for accountability and visionary leadership in the DRC.