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Felix TshisekediPresident of the Democratic Republic of the Congo since 24 January 2019
Date of Birth: 13.06.1963
Country:  Congo |
Content:
Felix Tshisekedi: Biography of the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Early Life
Felix Tshisekedi was born on June 13, 1963, in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. His father, Étienne Tshisekedi, was a prominent opposition leader and founder of the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS). Growing up in the capital city, Tshisekedi enjoyed a comfortable lifestyle.
Political Activism
In the early 1980s, when his father launched the UDPS, Tshisekedi joined the opposition party, following in his father's footsteps as a dissident. In 1985, he and his family moved to Brussels, Belgium, where he pursued odd jobs, engaged in nightlife, and became involved in UDPS activities.
Political Career
In 2008, Tshisekedi was appointed UDPS National Secretary for External Relations. In 2011, he won a seat in the National Assembly representing Mbuji-Mayi, but declined to take it, claiming the elections were rigged. His mandate was subsequently invalidated for "absenteeism."
In 2013, he turned down an offer to serve as a rapporteur in the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), stating that he did not wish to "put his political career in parentheses." In October 2016, he became the Deputy Secretary-General of the UDPS.
Leadership of the UDPS and Presidency
On March 31, 2018, Tshisekedi was elected leader of the UDPS following the death of his father. He was also designated as the UDPS presidential candidate in the December 2018 general elections, in which he emerged victorious with 38.57% of the votes. After the Constitutional Court of DR Congo validated the results, Tshisekedi was officially sworn in as President on January 24, 2019.
