The Transformative Leadership of President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo

Felix Tshisekedi as an institution

Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo's presidency, commencing on January 24, 2019, has been marked by a determined push for national transformation, characterized by significant achievements in the face of complex domestic and regional challenges. His leadership has consistently aimed at fostering peace, strengthening institutions, improving the socio-economic well-being of Congolese citizens, and re-establishing the DRC's standing on the international stage.

Here is a detailed look at his achievements and how he has navigated challenges year by year:

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2019: Laying the Foundations for Change and Overcoming Political Hurdles

Upon assuming office, President Tshisekedi inherited a landscape fraught with political complexities and deep-seated issues. A major initial challenge was navigating a power-sharing arrangement with the Common Front for Congo (FCC) coalition, which still dominated parliament. Despite this, he demonstrated remarkable political acumen to consolidate his power base.

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• Historic Peaceful Transition: His inauguration marked the Democratic Republic of Congo's first peaceful transfer of power since its independence in 1960, a monumental achievement that signaled a new era of democratic progress.

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• Reconciliation and Political Openness: In a significant move towards national reconciliation, President Tshisekedi pardoned approximately 700 political prisoners and encouraged exiled politicians to return home. This initiative helped to foster a more inclusive political environment.

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• Government Formation: After initial political negotiations, he successfully formed a new government, signalling his ability to forge consensus and move forward with his agenda despite a challenging legislative environment.

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• Foreign Policy Reorientation: President Tshisekedi embarked on a comprehensive overhaul of the DRC's foreign policy, ending a period of diplomatic isolation. This new approach emphasized enhancing the DRC's presence in international forums and revitalizing its role in regional and multilateral organizations. This proactive diplomacy led to the DRC securing leadership positions within African regional organizations and his election as the second Vice President of the African Union.

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• Review of Mining Contracts: He initiated a review of major mining contracts, particularly the Sicomines "minerals-for-infrastructure" deal signed by his predecessor. This crucial step aimed to ensure that the DRC's vast natural resources would generate more equitable benefits for the Congolese people.

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2020: Focus on Social Programs and Governance Reforms

Building on the initial political gains, 2020 saw the implementation of key social programs aimed at directly impacting the lives of ordinary citizens, while continuing efforts to strengthen governance.

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• Free Primary Education: A cornerstone of his social agenda, President Tshisekedi introduced free primary education across the country. This ambitious policy aimed to democratize access to education, providing a fundamental right to millions of Congolese children and serving as a powerful engine for long-term human development and social mobility.

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• Healthcare Initiatives: Complementing the education reforms, his administration also launched and expanded initiatives for free healthcare for mothers giving birth in many public health centers and hospitals, demonstrating a commitment to improving public health outcomes and reducing maternal mortality.

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• Continued Diplomatic Activism: The President maintained an active role in regional diplomacy, engaging in efforts to mediate crises and foster stability within the African continent.

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2021: Regional Leadership and International Engagements

President Tshisekedi's presidency reached a new international high in 2021 as he assumed a significant continental leadership role, leveraging it to champion critical global issues and secure partnerships for the DRC.

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• Chairmanship of the African Union (AU): His assumption of the AU chairmanship elevated the DRC's diplomatic profile significantly. During his tenure, he advocated for African solutions to African problems and promoted the continent's agenda on the global stage.

• Global Partnerships for Health and Environment: He engaged with world leaders, notably meeting with U.S. President Joseph Biden at the G20 Summit. Discussions focused on crucial global challenges such as the protection of the Congo Basin rainforest, vital for global climate regulation, and advancing global health security, including the possibility of partnering with Moderna to produce COVID-19 vaccines for Africa.

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​2022: Economic Growth and Security Sector Reforms

Amid ongoing security challenges in the eastern part of the country, President Tshisekedi's administration made strides in economic development and initiated critical reforms within the security sector.

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• Economic Resilience and Growth: The DRC experienced notable economic performance, with GDP growth increasing to 8.92% in 2022 from 6.20% in 2021. This growth was significantly driven by the mining industry, demonstrating effective economic management despite global uncertainties.

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• Regional Economic Integration: The DRC's entry into the East African Community (EAC) in 2022 was a strategic move aimed at boosting trade, fostering regional integration, and potentially de-escalating tensions with neighboring countries by providing access to a market of 146 million consumers.

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• Military Reforms and Security Reinforcement: Recognizing the persistent insecurity in the East, President Tshisekedi announced significant military reforms aimed at creating a more cohesive national army. His administration also took concrete steps to strengthen the country's defenses by appointing new military chiefs, engaging private military contractors, and facilitating the deployment of additional peacekeepers from the EAC and SADC in the Kivu region, demonstrating a firm resolve to protect the populace. He notably ruled out bringing in Russian mercenaries, underscoring a strategic alignment with international partners.

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2023: Strategic Investments and Infrastructure Development

The year 2023 saw President Tshisekedi's focus on attracting foreign investment and developing critical infrastructure to support economic growth and improve connectivity.

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• Major Mining Deal: The DRC signed a significant mining deal worth US$1.9 billion with the United Arab Emirates. This deal aims to develop at least four mines in the country's northeast region, further leveraging the DRC's mineral wealth for national development.

• Infrastructure Connectivity: Demonstrating foresight in improving logistics for exports, President Tshisekedi broke ground on a new road cutting through Zambia to Tanzania. This project will significantly reduce the travel distance for Congolese exports, particularly copper and cobalt from the mines to a Tanzanian port, thereby enhancing the country's trade efficiency.

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2024: Renewed Mandate and Continued Development Initiatives

Having secured a second term, President Tshisekedi's administration continues to push forward with key development projects, demonstrating a strong commitment to job creation and social upliftment.

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• Re-election and Consolidated Mandate: His re-election for a second five-year term, with his party and allies winning a majority of parliamentary seats, consolidated his political power, providing a stronger mandate to pursue his transformative agenda.

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• Job Creation and Economic Empowerment (PADMPME & TRANSFORME): The DRC-SME Development and Growth Project (PADMPME) significantly surpassed its objectives, establishing thousands of new firms and creating nearly 15,000 new full-time jobs. This success boosted business formalization, particularly benefiting women entrepreneurs, and mobilized significant private sector financing. Building on this, the project has been scaled up to the TRANSFORME Project, with an increased budget to further extend these achievements, improve access to finance, and create more job opportunities.

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• Continued Educational Progress: The Emergency Equity and System Strengthening in Education project has supported the government's free primary schooling policy, leading to an additional 4.4 million students enrolled in public primary schools nationwide in the 2023-2024 school year compared to 2018/2019. Furthermore, nearly 80,600 primary school teachers were added to the payroll and received regular salaries between 2021 and 2024, demonstrating a sustained commitment to strengthening the education system.

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2025: Accelerating National Development and Global Leadership

The year 2025 stands as a testament to President Tshisekedi's unwavering focus on accelerating the DRC's transformation. He has translated his vision into concrete, impactful projects that touch upon key sectors:

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• Transformative Rural Infrastructure (PDL-145T Acceleration): A cornerstone of his 2025 agenda is the ambitious expansion of the Local Development Program of the 145 Territories (PDL-145T). President Tshisekedi has unveiled a comprehensive plan for 2025 to rehabilitate 38,000 kilometers of agricultural service roads and an additional 11,423 kilometers of priority roads across rural areas. This monumental effort is complemented by the development of 11,432 kilometers of waterways and the construction of vital infrastructure such as port warehouses, drinking water systems, photovoltaic micro-power plants, and modern marketplaces. These initiatives are strategically designed to unlock agricultural potential, enhance food security, connect isolated communities, and stimulate rural economies, fundamentally improving the quality of life for millions of Congolese.

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• Pioneering Environmental Conservation (The Green Corridor): In a landmark move announced at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos in January 2025, President Tshisekedi initiated the creation of the "Couloir Vert" (Green Corridor). Established by a ministerial decree on January 15, 2025, this colossal community-managed protected area spans over 540,000 square kilometers, making it one of the largest in the world. This initiative is a profound commitment to safeguarding the Congo Basin rainforest, a critical global asset for biodiversity and climate regulation. Beyond conservation, the Green Corridor aims to catalyze a green economy and enhance food security through sustainable agricultural transformation, microfinance, and renewable energy projects, actively engaging local communities and Indigenous Peoples as vital partners in its management.

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• National Commitment to Public Health (Ending Pediatric AIDS): Demonstrating a deep concern for public health, President Tshisekedi officially launched the Presidential Initiative to End Pediatric AIDS in the Democratic Republic of the Congo on June 13, 2025. This vital five-year initiative, backed by USD 18 million in domestic funding, represents a renewed national resolve to close critical gaps in HIV response for children. It aims to significantly improve early HIV screening, enhance the quality of treatment for children, adolescents, and pregnant/breastfeeding women, and prevent new HIV infections, showcasing a proactive approach to addressing a persistent health inequity.

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• Strengthening Global Partnerships and Resource Management: His participation in the World Economic Forum 2025 in Davos further underscored his commitment to attracting responsible international investment and addressing global challenges. President Tshisekedi actively engaged in discussions on climate change, biodiversity, and the ethical management of critical minerals, positioning the DRC as a key partner in the global energy transition and environmental stewardship. The new financing agreements with the World Bank for nearly $2 billion in June 2025 further exemplify his administration's success in securing vital international support for ongoing and future development projects.

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• Addressing Governance and Political Evolution: Amid calls for continued institutional strengthening, President Tshisekedi has also opened discussions regarding the possibility of a new constitution in 2025, proposing the establishment of a commission to study the feasibility of modernizing the nation's foundational law. While this sensitive undertaking requires broad national consensus, it reflects a forward-looking approach to refining governance structures. Furthermore, in navigating persistent political dynamics and challenges from certain opposition figures, President Tshisekedi has demonstrated a strategic resolve to maintain stability, emphasizing the need for constructive dialogue that prioritizes national unity and the implementation of his transformative agenda. His focused approach to addressing the continued insecurity in the East, by seeking robust regional and international support, remains a testament to his determination to achieve lasting peace and protect the Congolese people.​

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President Tshisekedi's leadership in 2025 continues to build on a foundation of progress and a clear vision for a democratic, prosperous, and secure DRC. His administration's concerted efforts in infrastructure, environmental protection, public health, and diplomatic engagement illustrate a dynamic presidency committed to overcoming historical challenges and realizing the full potential of the nation.

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President Tshisekedi's tenure reflects a determined leader who, despite navigating complex political landscapes, persistent security threats, and economic challenges, has consistently worked towards a vision of a more peaceful, prosperous, and stable Democratic Republic of Congo. His achievements in education, health, economic reform, and international diplomacy underscore his commitment to fostering tangible improvements in the lives of his people and elevating the DRC's standing on the global stage.