Three opposition leaders in the Democratic Republic of Congo have jointly declared a nationwide protest scheduled for Saturday, coinciding with President Félix Tshisekedi's second-term inauguration.
Opposition leaders call for nationwide protest in DR Congo on inauguration day
Leading opposition candidate Moise Katumbi, a millionaire businessman, adresses supporters at a rally in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023.
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The electoral commission reported Tshisekedi's victory in last month's election with 73% of the vote. However, this outcome faced criticism as a "sham" from multiple opposition candidates, including Moïse Katumbi, who officially secured second place with 18%, Martin Fayulu in third with 5%, and Anzuluni Bembe, who secured 1%.
Allegations of fraud and ballot stuffing have been raised by the opposition leaders, leading to their call for a demonstration on the inauguration day. Despite the claims, the leading opposition candidates opted not to pursue a legal challenge, and the Constitutional Court has validated Tshisekedi's victory."