Felix Tshisekedi was sworn in as the new president of DR Congo on Thursday during a historic transfer of power ceremony. Mr. Tshisekedi said during his inaugural speech that the “strength of the people is based on unity and national reconciliation.” He promised to work towards peace and unity during his term.

Mr. Tshisekedi promised to work so that during his term the nation does not become a country of division, hatred or tribalism, but rather a reconciled country.

The new resident of the Palais de la Nation promised to build a strong Congo, where everyone has a place, and fight for the well-being of every citizen.

Mr. Tshisekedi paid tribute to his predecessors. He praised Joseph Kasavubu for his righteousness and sound management of public affairs, Joseph Mobutu for his determination to preserve the unity of the country and assert its authenticity, Laurent-Desired Kabila for his attachment to the ideology of never betraying the Congo, and oseph Kabila, one of the actors of this alternation and the peaceful transfer of power, who not long ago was still a political opponent.

He also thanked the various candidates to the December 30 presidential election, namely Martin Fayulu, with whom Mr. Tshisekedi said he fought a political struggle in the opposition for several years, Emmanuel Ramazani, and Vital Kamerhe, who Mr. Tshisekedi said put the interests of the Congolese people above his personal ambitions to form with him the "winning ticket" of this presidential election.

Mr. Tshisekedi paid tribute to Etienne Tshisekedi, his father and icon of the Congolese opposition, who shaped his struggle. “This exceptional man,” Mr. Tshisekedi said, “by his charisma and moral rigor how to embodied the aspiration of the Congolese people to democracy and social progress.”The new president promised to apply his teachings in his administration.

Mr. Tshisekedi promised to focus his action on the fight against corruption, the pacification of the entire national territory, the fight against poverty, and to work for the consolidation of the rule of law.

Mr. Tshisekedi fell ill during his inaugural speech, forcing him to interrupt the speech for ten minutes before returning to the podium to finish the speech. The ceremony than proceeded as planed.