France congratulates Congo leader on disputed re-election
World
France congratulates Congo leader on disputed re-election
(AFP) - In a statement published by the Foreign Ministry, France congratulated Tshisekedi for his re-election, while calling on all political and civil society in DRC to “work in favour of dialogue and to contribute to a calm climate and national cohesion”.
Final tallies show Tshisekedi, who has been in power since January 2019, won more than 73 percent of the vote on 20 December.
The Constitutional Court confirmed the result, which had been challenged by nine opposition leaders who signed a declaration declaring the polls a "sham" – and calling for a re-run.
Logistical issues
More than 40 million of the DRC's 100 million inhabitants were registered to vote.
Polling was extended by a day to account for problems and continued for days afterward in remote areas amid reports of widespread irregularities.
Logistical mishaps, a last-minute extension of voting, and a murky tabulation process have stoked ongoing disputes that threaten to further destabilise the poverty-stricken nation, which is also the world's top producer of cobalt and other prized industrial commodities.
In its congratulatory statement, France said it would continue to reinforce its links with the DRC.
The ministry said France was particularly supportive of regional initiatives to find peaceful solutions in the east of the country, which has been rife with numerous armed conflicts for decades.
