This archive report was first published on 21 September 2019.
On January 24, 2019, Felix Tshisekedi was sworn in as the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, marking the country's first peaceful transfer of power in 59 years of independence.
Uhuru Kenyatta, the President of Kenya, was the only foreign head of state in attendance at the inauguration ceremony held at the Palais de la Nation in Kinshasa.
Tshisekedi's victory in the December 30, 2018, election was marred by allegations of a deal between him and outgoing President Joseph Kabila to deny victory to another opposition candidate.
Despite these concerns, the inauguration ceremony was attended by thousands of cheering supporters, government officials, and foreign ambassadors, including former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
The peaceful transition of power in DR Congo is a significant development, especially considering the country's history of coups, assassinations, and rebellions.
