Congo: Young Tshisekedi takes opposition helm

By Godfrey Olukya

ARU, Democratic Republic of Congo (AA) - Felix Tshisekedi has replaced his late father as the new leader of the opposition coalition in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The coalition, the Rally of Social and Political Forces Acquired for Change, includes over 10 opposition political parties.

“We have named Felix Thsiekedi our new leader. We have agreed that he also becomes spokesman of the coalition,'' coalition coordinator Paul Kibonge told Anadolu Agency in a telephone interview.

Opposition coalition mobilizer Tony Muliga told Anadolu Agency they are confident that like his late father, he will do all he can to see that democracy prevails in the Central African country.

''He has all the qualities of a good leader. We believe he will not fail us,'' said Muliga.

Etienne Tshisekedi died on Feb. 1 in Brussels where he had gone for medical treatment. He was also chairman of the coalition’s Committee of Wise Men which was following the agreement the opposition and ruling party reached in December.

After the coalition endorsed Felix Tshsekedi as their sole choice for Congo prime minister, President Joseph Kablia refused to endorse him, saying that they should instead give him three candidates to select from.

This came after the coalition and government agreed that the prime minister must come from the opposition.

The coalition remains bitter over Kabila extending his stay in power after his term ended last December.

They held protests in which over 50 people died but later agreed to peace talks with government. The talks are still ongoing.