The recently sworn-in President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Felix Tshisekedi, has promised to set all political prisoners free in the next ten days. He made the promise in a recent speech where he said he will speak to the Chief Justice to release the prisoners in jail for their political views.
The President took over from Joseph Kabila in January after the latter had stayed in power for 18 years. Tshisekedi made the announcement during the emergency programme to celebrate his 100 days in office. According to him, he said he will order the Chief Justice to take all the necessary measures possible to release the prisoners.
He also made an assurance that people who had gone on asylum due to political reasons could return to the country. All of his efforts are geared at cementing the advances made by the country in democracy. The election results are still being contested by the other opposition contestant, Martin Fayulu. His transition into government marks the first orderly transition since the country got her independence in 1960.