The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma on Thursday expressed her “deep sadness” following the death of Étienne Tshisekedi wa Mulumba, leader of Union for Democracy and Social Progress Party (UDPS) of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In her condolence message to the Congolese people, Dlamini Zuma described Tshisekedi as “a towering personality of Congolese politics.” He has died in Brussels, Belgium.
The Chairperson presented the condolences of the AU and her own, to the family of the illustrious departed, to the UDPS, and to the people and Government of the DRC, according to a statement issued by the AU Commission.
She said that the best way to honor Tshisekedi’s legacy and his long fight for democracy in the DRC “is to fully implement the Conference Épiscopale Nationale du Congo (CENCO) facilitated Agreement signed by the Congolese stakeholders on 31 December 2016.”
The Chairperson also called on the Congolese people and the defence and security forces to remain united and cohesive at this moment of profound grief.
