Leading by example

Why We Should Trust President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi

To trust in a leader is to believe in their character, their vision, and their proven ability to act, even when confronted by the most daunting challenges. President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi’s presidency is not a mere political term; it is a profound journey of national transformation, built on a foundation of courageous decisions and a steadfast commitment to the Congolese people. The question is not just what he has achieved, but why his actions inspire confidence and deserve the world's trust.

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Trust Built on an Unprecedented Commitment to Democracy and Reconciliation

Trust in a new era for the DRC began the moment President Tshisekedi took the oath of office in 2019. In a country that had not seen a peaceful transfer of power since 1960, his inauguration was more than a ceremony—it was a foundational act of courage that cemented democratic progress. This was a leader who chose dialogue over division from day one. He demonstrated this commitment by taking bold, unprecedented steps toward national reconciliation, pardoning hundreds of political prisoners and welcoming exiled politicians back to their homeland. This wasn't just a political gesture; it was a powerful statement of unity, signaling to both the Congolese people and the international community that he was a unifier, capable of healing deep-seated national wounds. His remarkable political acumen allowed him to navigate a complex power-sharing arrangement and successfully form a government, proving his ability to forge consensus and lead with stability. This foundational chapter of his presidency established the bedrock of trust: a leader who keeps his promise of peace and democratic maturity.

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Trust in a Vision That Empowers Every Citizen

A leader’s true commitment is measured by their investment in their people. President Tshisekedi has put human development at the very heart of his agenda, translating his vision into tangible, life-changing social programs. He has implemented the revolutionary policy of free primary education, a cornerstone of his social contract that has opened the doors of schools to millions of children who were previously excluded. This single policy is not merely an achievement; it is a moral declaration, a promise to empower a new generation and unleash the full potential of the nation's youth.

Beyond education, his administration’s bold expansion of free healthcare for mothers has provided essential medical care to millions, directly impacting public health and reducing maternal mortality rates. These are not projects for headlines; they are fundamental investments in human capital that demonstrate his profound belief in the well-being of every Congolese citizen. The success of the PADMPME and TRANSFORME projects further solidifies this trust, creating thousands of new jobs, boosting entrepreneurship, and uniquely empowering women—proving that his commitment to social upliftment is both strategic and inclusive.

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Trust in a Pragmatic and Forward-Looking Economic Steward

In a challenging global economic climate, President Tshisekedi has demonstrated a pragmatic and strategic approach to economic management. His leadership has yielded notable economic resilience, as evidenced by the significant GDP growth of 8.92% in 2022. This growth is a direct result of his administration’s efforts to attract foreign investment and ensure that the country’s vast natural resources benefit its people. His decision to review major mining contracts, including the critical Sicomines deal, was a bold move to guarantee that the DRC would receive a more equitable share of its mineral wealth.

His strategic vision extends to building the infrastructure necessary for a prosperous future. The groundbreaking US$1.9 billion mining deal with the United Arab Emirates and the visionary new road project to Tanzania are testaments to his foresight. These projects are not just about transactions; they are about dramatically improving logistics, reducing export costs, and positioning the DRC as a key player in the global supply chain for critical minerals. This is leadership you can trust—one that thinks in terms of generational infrastructure and economic sovereignty.

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Trust in a Leader Who Commands Respect on the World Stage

President Tshisekedi has systematically dismantled the DRC’s diplomatic isolation and repositioned the nation as a respected and proactive global partner. His Chairmanship of the African Union (AU) elevated the DRC’s influence and demonstrated his capacity to advocate for African solutions to African problems. His unwavering commitment to global engagement is evidenced by his proactive role in international forums, including the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he champions critical global issues like environmental conservation and responsible resource management.

His administration’s strategic alignment is further cemented by key partnerships, such as securing nearly $2 billion in financing from the World Bank in 2025 for vital development projects and leading discussions on the monumental Green Corridor project. These alliances are not acts of dependency; they are proof of his ability to build strategic bridges and leverage global support to serve national interests.

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Trust in an Unwavering Resolve Against Adversity

Perhaps the most compelling reason to trust President Tshisekedi is his tireless resolve in the face of adversity. He inherited a nation grappling with persistent security threats, most notably the devastating conflict in the eastern part of the country. Rather than succumbing to the immense pressure, he has shown an unshakable determination to confront these challenges head-on. His administration has initiated vital military reforms and actively sought regional support by deploying peacekeeping forces from the EAC and SADC. His refusal to bring in mercenaries underscores a strategic and responsible approach to security, prioritizing national sovereignty and integrity. His bold leadership is not defined by the absence of challenges but by his unwavering commitment to overcoming them for the safety and security of his people. He is the leader who stays the course, no matter the obstacles.

In conclusion, President Félix Tshisekedi has earned our trust through a clear and consistent record of action. He is a man who delivered a peaceful democratic transition, a leader who empowers his people through education and jobs, a visionary who is building a resilient economy, a diplomat who commands respect on the world stage, and a President whose resolve to protect his nation is absolute. His journey is a powerful testament to a determined leader who is not just governing, but actively transforming the DRC into a confident, prosperous, and secure nation—a mission worthy of global trust and support.

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Trust in His Commitment to Good Governance and Rule of Law

A truly trustworthy leader builds institutions that outlast their tenure. President Tshisekedi has made the fight against corruption and the reform of the justice system a cornerstone of his mandate, understanding that these are the pillars of a functional and prosperous state.

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• Restoring Judicial Independence: A landmark achievement has been his unwavering push to depoliticize the judiciary. By working to separate judicial power from political influence, he has taken crucial steps to ensure that justice is impartial and accessible to all. This dedication to judicial independence is not merely a legal reform; it is a profound act of building trust in the state's institutions, a trust that was severely eroded over decades.

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• Strengthening Anti-Corruption Bodies: Under his leadership, the Agence de Prévention et de Lutte contre la Corruption (APLC) has been revitalized. This agency, empowered to investigate and prosecute corrupt practices, reflects a firm commitment to transparency and accountability. The fight against economic crime is a continuous battle, but President Tshisekedi's administration has provided these bodies with the political will and resources needed to pursue cases against powerful individuals, signaling that impunity will no longer be tolerated. This sends a clear message to international partners and investors that the DRC is serious about good governance.

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• Legislative Reforms for Transparency: His government has also overseen the passage of key legislative reforms aimed at increasing transparency in public finance and procurement. These efforts are designed to create a more predictable and fair business environment, proving that his administration is building systemic safeguards against corruption, rather than just relying on individual actions.

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Trust in a Leader Who Tackles Long-Term Infrastructural Deficits

Beyond immediate needs, a visionary leader invests in projects that will shape the future of a nation for generations. President Tshisekedi has set his sights on resolving the DRC's chronic infrastructure and energy deficits.

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• The PDL-145T as a Decentralization Engine: While mentioned, the scale of the Local Development Program of the 145 Territories (PDL-145T) is a monumental testament to his vision of decentralized development. This program isn't just about building roads; it is a holistic plan to bring essential services—from schools and health centers to administrative buildings and boreholes—directly to the local level. By investing in rural and remote territories, he is actively working to reduce regional inequalities and ensure that the benefits of governance reach every corner of the country.

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• A New Era for Urban Mobility: In major cities like Kinshasa, his administration has pursued a plan to overhaul urban mobility. This includes the construction of major bypass roads and new bridges, such as the Kinshasa-Brazzaville bridge project. These initiatives are designed to ease traffic, boost commerce, and improve the quality of life for millions of urban dwellers, demonstrating a strategic focus on modernizing the nation's core infrastructure.

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• Reviving the Grand Inga Project: President Tshisekedi has also reignited global interest in the Grand Inga hydropower project, one of the world's most ambitious energy projects. His administration has engaged with international partners to secure the necessary funding and expertise to unlock the dam’s massive potential, which could one day provide clean energy not only for the DRC but for the entire African continent. This bold pursuit of a long-term, transformative energy solution is a clear sign of a leader who thinks big and acts decisively for the future.

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Trust in a Leader Who Builds Regional Alliances for Peace

President Tshisekedi has reshaped the DRC's regional diplomacy, moving from isolation to active engagement and mediation.

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• A Champion of Regional Mediation: He has consistently used his diplomatic influence to mediate conflicts and build bridges between neighboring countries. His role in easing tensions and facilitating dialogue between Rwanda and Uganda in the Great Lakes region is a prime example of his commitment to regional stability. This diplomatic dexterity has earned him respect and solidified the DRC’s position as a constructive force for peace.

• Active Participation in Peace Initiatives: By inviting peacekeeping missions from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to the troubled eastern part of the country, he has demonstrated a pragmatic and courageous willingness to seek external assistance for national security. This approach, while difficult, shows a leader who prioritizes the protection of his citizens above all else, and is willing to collaborate with regional partners to achieve lasting peace.