DR CONGO: Beni City erupts in protests ahead of Tshisekedi's inauguration

By Ollus Ndomu

Tension grips Beni City in the North-Kivu Province of eastern DR Congo as citizens take to the streets, strongly protesting against the upcoming inauguration of President Felix Tshisekedi for his second term.

President Tshisekedi is scheduled to be sworn-in this afternoon at the Pentecost Martyrs Stadium in the capital, Kinshasa.

The unrest stems from dissatisfaction with the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (CENI) declaration of Tshisekedi as the winner of the December 20 Presidential Polls.

Locals cite numerous irregularities and fraudulent practices, leading to widespread skepticism about the legitimacy of Tshisekedi’s victory.

Beni’s streets bear witness to the mounting discontent, barricaded with massive rocks and burning tires as residents demand the annulment of what they perceive as Tshisekedi’s illegitimate electoral triumph.

In response to the escalating situation, police forces have been deployed throughout the city to restore order; but citizens persist in their protests, intensifying calls for the cancellation of the election results.

The mass demonstrations in Beni cast doubt on the credibility of Tshisekedi’s re-election, particularly as he was declared the overwhelming winner in the eastern region.

According to the opposition, the 2023 DRC elections were marred by various irregularities, including corruption, illegal possession of voting materials, violence, and intimidation.

This developing story raises questions about the political landscape and the acceptance of election outcomes in the region, pointing to a tumultuous beginning for Tshisekedi’s second term.