‘Democracy sustainable in Africa’ — Tinubu lauds Tshisekedi on re-election as DRC president

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on his re-election.

Tshisekedi was declared winner of the December 20 poll after garnering 73.34 percent of the votes.

Denis Kadima, head of the national election commission, said Tshisekedi obtained over 13 million votes out of over 18 million valid votes.

In a statement issued on Saturday by Ajuri Ngelale, presidential spokesman, Tinubu commended the government and the people DRC for “ensuring a successful conduct” of the election.

He said the elections were “well-concluded”, adding that democracy is sustainable in Africa.

“The President also congratulates the people of DR Congo for deepening democratic norms by exercising their rights without resorting to acts inimical to the sustenance of democracy,” the statement reads.

“It is welcoming that the last elections in DR Congo were well-concluded. Democracy is sustainable on the continent. I congratulate President Tshisekedi on his victory. The President has demonstrated statesmanship in his handling of regional and continental matters. Africa will overcome any challenge with governance by popular consent, and democracy will thrive.”

Tshisekedi is due to be sworn in on January 20.

His election in 2019 was the first time an opposition candidate would emerge president since the Central African country’s independence in June 1960.