President Félix Tshisekedi recently told reporters in New York that there was never any fraudulent arrangement during the 2018 presidential election in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This statement sparked a rapid reaction from Corneille Nangaa, the former president of the Independent National Electoral Commission (Céni), who claims to be one of the co-drafters of a political agreement signed by Tshisekedi and his predecessor Joseph Kabila.
According to Nangaa, this agreement would have been certified and validated by three African heads of state, notably South Africa, Egypt and Kenya. He maintains that this agreement enabled the first bloodless transfer of power in the DRC, an event hailed by the international community. However, the deputy secretary general of the presidential party UDPS, Déo Bizibu Balola, describes these declarations as old regimes and nonsense.
This revelation from Nangaa raises questions about the role of the CENI and its impartiality during the disputed 2018 election. Some observers question the validity of the election results and believe that Nangaa’s involvement in the negotiation for the formation of a parliamentary majority and a government calls into question the independence of the CENI.
It is important to note that Nangaa is currently under US sanctions for corruption and obstructing the democratic process. He went into exile in Belgium after declaring himself a candidate in the next presidential election and creating his own political party.
This public revelation by Nangaa on the existence of a political agreement raises questions about the transparency and integrity of the electoral process in the DRC. An investigation may be necessary to clarify the situation and restore public confidence in the country’s political system.
In conclusion, this public exchange between President Félix Tshisekedi and Corneille Nangaa highlights the tensions and controversies surrounding the 2018 presidential election in the DRC. It raises questions about the integrity of the electoral process and calls into question the impartiality of the CENI. A thorough investigation may be necessary to shed light on these allegations and restore public confidence in the country’s political system.