KINSHASA, Congo (AP) — Congo on Thursday was poised to inaugurate an opposition leader as its unexpected new president in the Central African country’s first peaceful, democratic transfer of power since independence nearly 60 years ago. Just one African head of state, Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta, was seen at the ceremony after the international community expressed reservations over alleged election fraud that brought Tshisekedi to power. Few had expected an opposition victory in Congo, where Kabila has ruled since 2001 and hung on for more than two years of turbulent election delays. Declared runner-up Martin Fayulu had mounted a court challenge to Tshisekedi’s win, alleging massive rigging and demanding a recount. Outside court, Fayulu accused Kabila of making a backroom deal with Tshisekedi as it became clear the ruling party’s candidate did poorly at the polls.

Source: Egypt Independent January 24, 2019 13:07 UTC