Tshisekedi Outlines Priorities, Pledges to Fight Corruption in DRC

President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) met with the Congolese diaspora in Paris on Wednesday, thanking his compatriots abroad who voted for him in the December 2023 presidential election. During the meeting, Tshisekedi presented his six governance priorities for the next five years and emphasized the need to promote local production to revive the country's import-based economy.

Why this matters: The DRC's economic and security challenges have far-reaching implications for regional stability and global trade. Effective governance and anti-corruption efforts by President Tshisekedi's administration could have a significant impact on the country's development and its role in the international community.

The President's six priorities include job creation, security, improved purchasing power, diversification of the economy, access to basic services, and modernization of the country. "We need to promote local production to revive our import-based economy," Tshisekedi stated, highlighting his focus on economic reforms.

Tshisekedi also presented his ambitious local development program aimed at reducing disparities between rural and urban centers across the DRC's 145 territories. The initiative seeks to address the long-standing issue of uneven development and provide opportunities for all Congolese citizens, regardless of their location.

Addressing the ongoing security challenges in the eastern part of the country, the President appealed for unity and urged citizens to denounce compatriots who collaborate with enemies. "It is important that we remain united and I invite you to denounce compatriots who play into the hands of the enemy," Tshisekedi said, emphasizing the need for a collective effort to combat insecurity.

The issue of dual nationality, which has been a contentious topic in the DRC, was also addressed by Tshisekedi during the meeting. "The issue of dual nationality will be resolved during my second term," he promised, signaling his commitment to finding a solution to this long-standing concern for many Congolese living abroad.

President Tshisekedi's meeting with the Congolese diaspora in Paris comes at a crucial time for the DRC, as the country seeks to address its economic, security, and social challenges. By outlining his governance priorities and pledging to tackle corruption, Tshisekedi aims to build trust and support among his compatriots both at home and abroad as he embarks on his second term in office.

Key Takeaways

• President Tshisekedi met with Congolese diaspora in Paris, outlining 6 governance priorities for next 5 years.
• Priorities include job creation, security, improved purchasing power, and economic diversification.
• Tshisekedi emphasized promoting local production to revive DRC's import-based economy.
• He appealed for unity to combat security challenges in eastern DRC and promised to resolve dual nationality issue.
• Tshisekedi aims to build trust and support among Congolese citizens at home and abroad during his second term.