Press review of Tuesday, November 14, 2023: Historic handshake between Félix Tshisekedi and Martin Fayulu
Monday, November 13, in Kinshasa, the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) organized a meeting with the candidates for the presidency of the Republic. A significant event took place during this meeting: a historic handshake between Félix Tshisekedi and Martin Fayulu, two former comrades in arms in the opposition against Joseph Kabila. This handshake, accompanied by smiles, symbolizes a sign of political elegance and could announce a new dynamic in the Congolese political landscape.
The meeting brought together 24 of the 26 presidential candidates, who had the opportunity to discuss the electoral process with the president of the CENI, Denis Kadima. He recalled that the electoral campaign will begin on November 19, 2023 for presidential candidates, national and provincial deputies, and two weeks before the polls for municipal councilors.
Félix Tshisekedi, current head of state, attended the meeting in accordance with protocol, accompanied by his representative Jacquemain Shabani, and took his place in the chair corresponding to his bulletin number. This demonstration of respect for the rules demonstrates the importance given to fairness and transparency in the electoral process.
The handshake between Tshisekedi and Fayulu was hailed by the Congolese press as a historic event. The two opposition leaders, who have often clashed in the past, showed a gesture of reconciliation and unity in the face of the country’s political challenges. This could be a sign of a common desire to work together for the good of the nation.
Denis Kadima, president of the CENI, took the opportunity to call for peaceful elections and expressed confidence in the ability of his institution to guarantee credible, transparent and inclusive elections. He also stressed the importance of collaboration between the CENI and the candidates, based on mutual respect, in order to successfully complete this crucial electoral process.
This meeting allowed the presidential candidates to set the final rules of the game before the start of the electoral campaign. Determined to ensure democratic and peaceful elections, they shared their commitment to working together to strengthen democracy and national unity in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In conclusion, the historic handshake between Félix Tshisekedi and Martin Fayulu during the CENI meeting in Kinshasa aroused a feeling of optimism about the political future of the country. This event marks an important step towards reconciliation and unity, and testifies to the desire of Congolese political leaders to work together for the development and stability of the nation.