Felix Tshisekedi
Felix Tshisekedi
Full name: Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo
Date of birth: June 13, 1963
Place of birth: Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Occupation: Politician
Political party: Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS)
Spouse: Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi
Children: 5
Felix Tshisekedi is a Congolese politician who has served as the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo since 2019. He is the son of Étienne Tshisekedi, a prominent opposition leader who served as Prime Minister of Zaire from 1991 to 1992.
Early life and education
Tshisekedi was born in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He is the son of Étienne Tshisekedi, a prominent opposition leader who served as Prime Minister of Zaire from 1991 to 1992, and Marthe Kasalu Jibikila. Tshisekedi has six siblings.
Tshisekedi attended primary and secondary school in Kinshasa. He then studied law at the University of Kinshasa, where he graduated in 1989.
Political career
Tshisekedi began his political career as a member of the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS), a party founded by his father. In 2006, he was elected to the National Assembly of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
In 2011, Tshisekedi was elected as the Secretary-General of the UDPS. He became the party's president following the death of his father in 2017.
Presidency
In the 2018 presidential election, Tshisekedi was declared the winner, defeating the incumbent president, Joseph Kabila. However, the results were disputed by Kabila's supporters, who alleged fraud. The Constitutional Court upheld Tshisekedi's victory, and he was sworn in as president on January 24, 2019.
As president, Tshisekedi has focused on improving relations with neighboring countries, including Rwanda and Uganda. He has also worked to combat corruption and improve the economy.
Personal life
Tshisekedi is married to Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi. They have five children.
Awards and honors
- 2019: Time 100 Most Influential People in the World
- 2020: Forbes Africa Person of the Year
Additional information
- Tshisekedi is fluent in French, English, and Lingala.
- He is a Christian.
- He is a member of the African Union and the Southern African Development Community.
