Why Kagame Has ‘Refused’ to Congratulate DR Congo’s Tshisekedi on Electoral Victory

Rwandan President Paul Kagame is yet to congratulate Felix Tshisekedi on his reelection as president of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following a landslide victory, according to results by Ceni, the country’s electoral body.

Tshisekedi polled 73 per cent of the total votes cast to his rivals, including top dogs Moise Katumbi and Martin Fayulu. But the latter has described the election as a coup d’état and called on the Congolese people to reject the results as released by Ceni.

Despite the opposition protests, regional leaders have been congratulating Tshisekedi on his victory.

“I warmly congratulate my Counterpart and Brother HE Félix Antoine Tshisekedi on his re-election at the head of #RDC following the publication of the provisional results. In the event of a possible electoral dispute, I hope for a peaceful resolution through legal channels,” said Evariste Ndayishimiye.

It should be remembered that based in Nairobi, Tshisekedi’s opponent launched a political-military coalition to oust the Congolese leader, prompting Kinshasa to recall its ambassador to Kenya. (See Details Here).

But Kenya’s president has congratulated Tshisekedi despite the diplomatic row ahead of the poll.

“Sincere congratulations to my brother His Excellency Felix Tshisekedi, the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, for a well-deserved victory. The election is a milestone in the democratic history of your nation. I look forward to strengthening the Kenya-DRC relations for the mutual benefit of our countries,” wrote Kenya’s William Ruto.

“Heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency, President Félix Tshisekedi on being re-elected as the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I am looking forward to continuing working together in fostering the relations between our two countries and our East African Community (EAC),” wrote Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu.

Museveni’s congratulatory came in on December 1, 2024. Read it Here.

KAGAME, TSHISEKEDI BAD BLOOD

Yet Rwanda’s Kagame has ‘declined’ to congratulate Tshisekedi. Both leaders accuse each other of supporting rebels opposed to either country. During campaigns, Tshisekedi did not only compare Kagame to Adolf Hitler but also threatened to attack Rwanda. (See Details Here and There).

It’s not only DRC’s Tshisekedi accusing Kagame’s Rwanda of supporting rebels. Even Burundi’s Evariste Ndayishimiye has blamed Kigali of backing rebels that recently killed 20 people. (See Details Here and There).

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