President Félix Tshisekedi’s speech to the nation, which will be held at the Palais du Peuple on November 14, 2023, promises to be a major event in Congolese political life. This will be the last address by the Head of State on the state of the nation of his first five-year term, less than 10 days before the official launch of the electoral campaign for the elections scheduled for December 20.
According to the communications unit of the National Assembly, this speech will be delivered before the two houses of parliament meeting in congress. This is a tradition provided for by article 77 of the Congolese constitution, which stipulates that the President of the Republic sends messages to the Nation and delivers, once a year, a speech on the state of the Nation. before the National Assembly and the Senate combined.
During his speech, the President is expected to address several topics of importance to the country. The security situation in eastern DRC, marked by the activism of local and foreign armed groups, will likely be at the heart of the discussions. Rwandan aggression via the M23 rebels, who occupy large areas in the territories of Masisi and Rutshuru, also raises serious concerns.
The general elections will also be a central topic of this speech. While several stages of the electoral calendar have already been completed, President Tshisekedi should take stock of the progress and challenges linked to the organization of these crucial elections for the future of the country. In addition, the socio-economic situation of the country, marked by a decline in the purchasing power of the Congolese, should be addressed, among other subjects.
It is important to note that this speech comes a little earlier than expected, due to the electoral calendar which requires the closure of the current parliamentary session in November, in order to allow parliamentarians to devote themselves fully to the electoral campaign which will begin on November 19.
In conclusion, President Félix Tshisekedi’s speech before the two chambers of parliament meeting in congress will be a key event in Congolese political life. The topics covered, such as the security situation, the general elections and the socio-economic situation of the country, will give indications on the priorities and actions envisaged by the government in the years to come.