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The Democratic Republic of Congo is today marking the 61st anniversary of its independence from Belgium. In a lengthy interview with Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi’s Jeune Afrique, after half an hour, the head of state looks back on his break with Joseph Kabila, his ambitions for the next two and a half years and the next presidential election.
“As in a couple, when you no longer agree on the principles, you have to separate”: the Congolese president concludes the end of the alliance with its predecessorJospeh Kabila The two men would still maintain relationships and would have demanded their respective birthdays in June.
Félix Tshisekedi – now 58 years old – clearly confirms his ambitions for 2023: “I have the right to serve two terms, why should I stop on the road?”
What about potential future opponents of Moïse Katumbi and Jean-Pierre Bemba, even though they are members of the Holy Union? “It does not bother me at all,” replied the Congolese president, “it is democracy.”
As for Vital Kamerhe, former HR manager, jailed for more than a year for corruption and embezzlement? To those who accuse him of trying to fire him, Félix Tshisekedi replies: “False, there is no shadow of a split between him and me! “
“A mafia that does not say its name”
In this interview with Young Africamany other topics are commented on by the Congolese head of state. In particular, the siege in the east: “A way of fighting a mafia that does not say its name“,” He explains.
The relationship with Paul Kagames is described as excellent. The words of the Rwandan president on the Mappings report is considered “an inconvenience”, “the subject is closed”.
The Congolese president makes the status quo after half time with a sporting metaphor: “I raised hope now we have to change the test.”
► To read: Félix Tshisekedi and Paul Kagame publish their new agreement
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