The controversy surrounding the results of the presidential election in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in December 2018 continues to fuel debate. In recent days, a series of contradictory statements have emerged, implicating the current President, Félix Tshisekedi, and the former president of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), Corneille Nangaa.
During his participation in the 78th General Assembly of the United Nations in New York on September 19, President Félix Tshisekedi mentioned a meeting with Raymond Tshibanda, suggesting discussions on the possibility of becoming Prime Minister of the unsuccessful candidate Emmanuel Shadary. However, President Tshisekedi has firmly denied any involvement in such maneuvers, claiming to have legitimately won the elections and demanding tangible proof of fraud on the part of those who speak of them.
For his part, Corneille Nangaa refuted President Tshisekedi’s allegations on September 23. Former president of the CENI and current leader of the political party “Action for the Dignity of Congo and its people” (ADCP), Nangaa recalled that the CENI had announced the provisional results of the presidential election in January 2019, confirmed by the judgment of the Constitutional Court. He also confirmed the existence of a political agreement prior to the publication of the results, an agreement in which Félix Tshisekedi would have participated as a signatory.
According to Nangaa, this agreement enabled the first peaceful transfer of power in the DRC without bloodshed and facilitated the establishment of the country’s democratic institutions. He criticized President Tshisekedi for questioning these historical facts and said such statements discredited the presidential office.
It should be noted that Corneille Nangaa is currently under US sanctions over allegations of “persistent corruption” related to the 2018 elections in the DRC. The sanctions also target other CENI officials accused of misappropriating funds for personal and political purposes.
This controversy highlights the persistent challenges that the DRC faces in terms of electoral transparency and the consolidation of its democracy. As the country seeks to build a stable political future, it is essential that thorough investigations are carried out to unravel allegations of electoral fraud and corruption. Only a strong democracy, based on transparent and credible elections, can guarantee lasting peace and development in the DRC.