As the first organized opposition platform at a time of strict one-party rule, the UDPS endured harsh repression and Tshisekedi was repeatedly imprisoned. He called for a boycott of the 2005 constitutional referendum and also sat out the 2006 presidential vote, Congo's first free elections in over 40 years, won by Joseph Kabila. He finished runner-up to Kabila in the 2011 presidential election, a vote international observers said was marred by widespread fraud. His son, Felix Tshisekedi is tipped to be named prime minister in a forthcoming power-sharing government, though no other opposition leader has proved able to match his mobilising prowess or reputation for principled opposition. "Etienne Tshisekedi represented true political resistance in our country," said Chantal Muya, a law student, hours after the leader's death.

Source: The Star February 02, 2017 12:33 UTC