HARARE – President Emmerson Mnangagwa Monday posted a fawning congratulatory message to DRC President Felix Tshisekedi who was declared winner of his country’s recent election, marred by logistical flaws and further dismissed as a fraud by opponents.
Tshisekedi was Sunday announced winner of the December 20 election with a 73 percent majority vote.
The DRC presidential and legislative poll was derailed by delays in delivering voting kits, malfunctioning equipment and disorganised voter lists. Violence also disrupted the poll in some places.
In a Tuesday statement, Mnangagwa, set to assume SADC chairmanship August this year, said, “I am pleased to warmly congratulate you on your re-election as the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo”.
He added, “Your re-election to the highest office is a reaffirmation of the confidence and trust that the people of the Congo have in your leadership to a more prosperous Congo.
“As you assume your onerous responsibilities of the office, I look forward to resuming our cooperation and close personal interaction to enhance the cordial relations that happily subsist between our two fraternal countries for the mutual benefit of our peoples.
“I also wish to assure you of my continued readiness to work with you at the regional, continental and international levels to advance common aspirations.
“Let me take this responsibility to wish you, Your Excellency, personal good health and success in leading your great country to prosperity, as well as peace for the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“Please accept, Your Excellency and Dear Brother, the assurances of my highest cooperation.”
Mnangagwa joined other regional leaders who include Zambia’s Hakainde Hichilema, Malawi’s Lazarus Chakwera, Namibia’s Hage Geingob in congratulating Tshisekedi.
