President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Presidential Standard
Presidential Seal
Incumbent Félix Tshisekedi since 25 January 2019
Style	His Excellency
Residence	Palais de la Nation, Kinshasa
Term length	5 years, renewable once
Formation	30 June 1960
First holder	Joseph Kasavubu
Deputy	President of the Senate
Website	Official website of the President of the DRC: https://presidence.cd

The President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is the country's head of state. This means they are the main leader and representative of the nation. The president is also the commander-in-chief of the country's armed forces.

The role of president in the DRC started in 1960 with the first constitution. Over time, the president's powers have changed a lot. Sometimes, the president shared power with a prime minister. Other times, the president had almost total control.

Today, under the current constitution, the DRC is a semi-presidential republic. This means the president shares power with a prime minister and parliament. The president is protected by the Republican Guard.

The previous president, Joseph Kabila, was supposed to leave office in 2016. However, he stayed until a new election was held in December 2018. Félix Tshisekedi won that election and became president on January 24, 2019.

What Does the President Do?
Who Can Be President?
What Happens if the President Leaves Office?
Presidential Buildings
How is the President Elected?
- 2023 Election
See also

What Does the President Do?

Monument to Lumumba and the Tower of Limete in Kinshasa.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has a system similar to France's government. The prime minister and parliament make most of the laws. However, the president still has a lot of power and influence. The president holds the highest office in the country.

The president gets to choose the prime minister. But, the president must pick someone from the political party that has the most seats in parliament. If no party has a clear majority, the president can choose someone who can form a group of parties (a coalition). The prime minister and their team must then get approval from the National Assembly. Only the National Assembly can remove the prime minister's government.

If the president and the National Assembly have different political views, they have to work together. This is called "cohabitation." In this case, the president's power is less because they need the prime minister and parliament to agree. Still, the president usually handles foreign policy, working with the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
If the president and the National Assembly agree politically, the president can be more active. They can guide the government's plans more directly. The prime minister might be replaced if the government becomes unpopular.

Here are some of the president's official duties:

The president makes sure the constitution is followed. They ensure that government bodies work correctly and that the country continues to function.
They protect the country's independence, land, and power. They also make sure international agreements are kept.
The president appoints the prime minister. With the prime minister's advice, they also appoint and remove other government members.
The president calls and leads meetings of the Council of Ministers. They also officially announce laws and issue orders.
They give power to the elected Governors and Vice-Governors of the country's provinces.
The president appoints, suspends, and removes many important officials. This includes ambassadors, military officers, and high-ranking civil servants. They also appoint judges and public prosecutors.
The president is the commander-in-chief of the armed forces. They also lead the High Defense Council.
The president gives out national awards and honors.
If there are serious dangers to the country, the president can declare a state of emergency.
The president can declare war, but only with permission from both parts of parliament.
The president can grant pardons or reduce sentences for people.
The president appoints ambassadors to other countries and international groups. They also welcome ambassadors from other countries to the DRC.
The president helps set the country's main policies with the government. They are also in charge of defense, security, and foreign affairs.
The president has a limited power to send a law back to parliament for another look. But they can only do this once for each law.

Who Can Be President?

Article 72 of the Congolese constitution sets out the rules for becoming president.

The president must be a citizen of the Democratic Republic of the Congo by birth. This means they must belong to one of the ethnic groups that formed the Congo when it became independent in 1960.
The person must be at least 30 years old.
They must also have all their civil and political rights.

What Happens if the President Leaves Office?

Articles 75 and 76 of the constitution explain what happens if the president dies or resigns.

The Constitutional Court officially announces that the position is empty.
Then, the President of the Senate becomes the temporary president.
The Independent Electoral Commission must organize new elections. These elections must happen between 60 and 90 days after the position is declared empty.

Presidential Buildings

Presidential registration plate (PR).

Palais de la Nation, Kinshasa.

The president's official office is the Palais de la Nation (Palace of the Nation) in Kinshasa. The official home of the president is the Camp Tshatshi Palace in Kinshasa. However, this palace has not been used since 1997.

Other places used by the president include:

The Palais de Marbre: This palace hosts official guests from other countries.
The Domaine de la Rwindi in Goma, Nord-Kivu.

How is the President Elected?

Under the 2006 constitution, the president is chosen by the people. They are elected for a five-year term. A president can only be re-elected once.

The first president elected under these rules was Joseph Kabila in the 2006 elections. After being elected, the president goes through a special ceremony to officially take office.

2023 Election

The most recent presidential election was held in 2023. Félix Tshisekedi won this election and continued his term as president.

President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo facts for kids

Contents