In the December 20 election in the Democratic Republic of Congo, President Felix Tshisekedi contends with more than two dozen rivals, including familiar adversaries like Martin Fayulu, the runner-up in the disputed 2018 poll, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Denis Mukwege.
Key Candidates:
President Felix Tshisekedi: President Tshisekedi, aged 60 and the son of the late opposition leader Etienne Tshisekedi, assumed power in a contested 2018 election through a power-sharing alliance with former president Joseph Kabila. Despite initial promises to combat corruption, authoritarianism, address economic challenges, inequalities, and conflicts in the east, critics argue that he has not delivered on these commitments. Following the unraveling of the alliance, he aligned with other prominent Congolese figures, including economy minister Vital Kamerhe and former vice president Jean-Pierre Bemba.
Businessman Moise Katumbi: A 58-year-old businessman with a background in mining, transport, and food processing, Katumbi served as the governor of the copper-rich Katanga region from 2007 to 2015. Initially allied with Kabila, he fell out with the former president, accusing him of attempting to extend his stay in power. Katumbi, who fled Congo in 2016 amid accusations of plotting against Kabila, was sentenced in absentia for real estate fraud. His current candidacy benefits from the support of three withdrawn candidates.
Old Rival Martin Fayulu: Fayulu, aged 66 and a former Exxon Mobil executive, claims to have won the 2018 election in which he finished second. Initially chosen as the joint opposition candidate in a pact with Tshisekedi, Fayulu faced challenges as Tshisekedi withdrew and formed a power-sharing arrangement with Kabila. Despite attempts to unite the opposition, Fayulu’s representatives were allegedly ousted from a South African meeting.
First Timer Denis Mukwege: Renowned gynaecologist Mukwege, aged 68, earned the Nobel Peace Prize for his extensive efforts in combating sexual violence, particularly treating victims of wartime abuse at the Panzi hospital. Based in eastern Congo, Mukwege criticizes the government’s inability to curb conflict. His candidacy, announced on Oct. 3, is motivated by a desire to save and develop the country.
Second Attempt for Marie José Ifoku: Ifoku, one of three women approved by Congo’s national election commission for the presidential race, makes her second attempt after being the sole female candidate in the 2018 election, where she secured the ninth position out of 21 candidates with 0.15% of the vote.