DR Congo’s self declared President Martin Fayulu has called on African Presidents to respect the sovereign decision of the people of Congo who elected him as President with over 60% of the vote.
This comes after African Presidents led by President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya and Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa alongside AU High envoy for infrastructure Raila Odinga congratulated Felix Tshisekedi following a ruling by the supreme court that declared him the validly elected President of DR Congo.
“To African Presidents who ask the Congolese people to respect the “Constitutional Court”, I ask them to respect the sovereign decision of the Congolese people who elected me President with over 60% of the vote. Let’s not encourage fraud, lies and forgery.” said Fayulu.
Uhuru, Ramaposa and Raila congratulated Tshisekedi despite the African Union saying it had “serious doubts” about the result.
“Congratulations President-elect Tshisekedi on your victory in the recent General Elections. Your victory is a portrayal of the confidence of the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in your ideals, leadership and vision for the future.” said Uhuru.
On his part, Raila Odinga had this to say: “I congratulate President elect Mr Felix Tshisekedi on his victory and wish him all the best as he embarks on the difficult task of putting the DRC on the path of democracy, unity and prosperity.”
The constitutional court ruled that Mr Tshisekedi had won after rejecting a challenge from rival Martin Fayulu.
Mr. Fayulu has insisted that Mr Tshisekedi made a deal with outgoing President Joseph Kabila.
Mr Fayulu, who the electoral commission said was the runner-up in the 30 December election, said he was the “legitimate” president.
Accusations of fraud are supported by comments from some election observers including the influential Catholic Church.
Mr Fayulu said his supporters should organise “non-violent protests all over the country to defend its sovereignty”.
To African Presidents who ask the Congolese people to respect the “Constitutional Court”, I ask them to respect the sovereign decision of the Congolese people who elected me President with over 60% of the vote. Let’s not encourage fraud, lies and forgery. #RDCVote #DRCElections
— Martin Fayulu (@MartinFayulu) January 21, 2019