Opposition supporters calling themselves “fighters” have intensified attacks against Congolese officials travelling abroad. Katanga Province Governor Moise Katumbi is the latest in a string of officials who have come under attack from the so-called “Patriots-Combatants”.

Etienne Tshisekedi left his home for the first time on Friday since being put under “house arrest”. Mr. Tshisekedi and his wife, Marthe, went to the residence of the German Ambassador in Kinshasa, where they were invited to dinner.

Information Minister Lambert Mende told a news conference on Tuesday that the door for dialogue with opposition leader Etienne Tshisekedi remains open.

Cardinal Laurent Monsengwo has been invited by Pope Benedict XVI to lead this year’s Lenten exercises in the Vatican. The Congolese Conference of Catholic Bishops (CENCO) announced on Friday that Cardinal Monsengwo will preach to the Pope and the Roman Curia during the weeklong spiritual exercises.

President Joseph Kabila’s party, the People’s Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD), and its allies will hold a majority of seats in the new parliament, according to the results of the Nov. 28 parliamentary elections published by the Independent National Electoral Commission on Wednesday.

Etienne Tshisekedi’s call for a general strike beginning Monday around the Democratic Republic of Congo has largely been ignored.

Etienne Tshisekedi announced during a press conference on Friday that he was “officially assuming his functions as the head of state elected by the people.”

Etienne Tshisekedi a prêté «serment» vendredi à son domicile après que la police l’ait empêché de tenir la cérémonie au Stade des Martyrs.

Etienne Tshisekedi inaugurated himself as the president of Democratic Republic of Congo on Friday. The ceremony was staged at his home after police prevented him and his supporters from holding the event at Stade des Martyrs.

Etienne Tshisekedi declared himself president-elect of the Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday and called for the armed forces and the police to arrest President Joseph Kabila. “I consider myself from this day on the president elected by the Congolese people” Mr. Tshisekedi said. Mr. Tshisekedi asked his followers to “stay calm and serene to maintain a good business climate for foreign investments”. “I ask you to be calm and serene because a winner does not worry, to the contrary, he remains calm.  As for those who are causing our troubles, beginning with Mr. Kabila, I ask all of you [...]