Belgium congratulated Félix Thishekedi on Tuesday evening on his re-election as President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The elections took place in late December, but his victory was only confirmed now.
Ten days ago, the Congolese electoral commission (Céni) announced that Tshisekedi had won more than 73% of the vote, according to partial results. After rejecting a complaint by an opposition candidate, the Constitutional Court confirmed the victory on Tuesday.
"We would like to pay tribute to the democratic spirit shown once again by the Congolese people during these elections, despite the difficulties, in particular the numerous logistical and operational shortcomings, as well as the irregularities reported," the Belgian Foreign Affairs Ministry said on social media.
The message implicitly refers to the election commission's decision to cancel the votes of 82 candidates – including some political heavyweights – in certain constituencies due to fraud and corruption.
"We encourage the National Independent Electoral Commission to continue its investigations and to take steps to punish those responsible," the Ministry said, adding that "many challenges" await Tshisekedi during his second term.
"Belgium wishes to encourage the President to initiate and continue efforts in terms of good governance and human rights, whether they concern gender equality, the fight against corruption, reform of the security sector and the judiciary, to meet social and environmental challenges, or to improve the business climate."
The authorities also reiterated Belgium's support for regional diplomatic efforts, which promote de-escalation and the search for lasting pacification of eastern DRC. "We ask the Congolese authorities to be open and constructive in this context."
