Audio By Carbonatix
Democratic Republic of Congo opposition leader Etienne Tshisekedi has called on the security forces to stop obeying orders from President Joseph Kabila.
Mr Tshisekedi made the call after rejecting Mr Kabila's victory in last month's disputed elections.
Mr Kabila, 40, is due to be sworn in on Tuesday, while Mr Tshisekedi, 79, has planned his own inauguration for Friday.
An aide of Mr Kabila said Mr Tshisekedi was following a "criminal logic".
Many observers have criticised the polls as seriously flawed.
The elections were the first Congolese-organised polls since the end of a devastating war in 2003 which left some four million people dead.
Rival government
On Friday, the Supreme Court confirmed official results showing that Mr Kabila won with 49% of the vote against 32% for Mr Tshisekedi.
But Mr Tshisekedi said he rejected the results and was now the president.
"I will be sworn in next Friday before the Congolese people gathered at the Martyrs' stadium," he said.
Mr Tshisekedi said he was offering a reward for the capture of Mr Kabila and had dismissed his government.
He also called on the security forces and civil servants to disobey Mr Kabila's orders.
"I'm calling on you to only obey the legitimate authority voted in by the people, not individual adventurists who will have to answer before the Congolese and international judiciaries."
A senior member of Kabila's campaign team, Aubin Minaku, warned that Mr Tshisekedi could be arrested for trying to form a rival administration.
"Mr Tshisekedi is following a criminal logic," he said.
"Anywhere in the world, when an individual commits a crime, whatever his rank, even a presidential candidate, especially when he incites international crimes, the state must react vigorously, and the International Criminal Court should react vigorously too."
Mr Tshisekedi led the campaign for democracy under former leader Mobutu Sese Seko but these were the first elections he has contested.
He boycotted the last poll in 2006, organised under the auspices of the United Nations, after claiming they had been rigged in advance.
Mr Kabila has been president since 2001 following the assassination of his father, Laurent and he is due to be sworn in on Tuesday for his second term.
Last week, Mr Kabila admitted there had been mistakes in the election process.
But he rejected concerns that the results lacked credibility.
The US-based Carter Center, which sent observers to the election, said the vote was too flawed to be credible.
The US state department called for a review of irregularities and the EU described parts of the election process as "chaotic".
However, the African Union described the elections as a success.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
Stonebwoy set to fill OVO Arena Wembley on August 15 with BHIM Festival
9 minutes -
The African Union’s expanding footprint in strengthening cross-border tourism and trade unity in Africa
15 minutes -
Today’s Front pages: Tuesday, May 26, 2026
17 minutes -
Netanyahu vows to ‘increase the blows’ against Hezbollah as Israel intensifies strikes in LebanonÂ
26 minutes -
US strikes Iranian missile sites and boats near Strait of Hormuz amid peace talksÂ
33 minutes -
Why it’s time to change Ghana’s cocoa law
37 minutes -
Adamus Resources defends reputation amid renewed public scrutiny
41 minutes -
GN Savings and Loans could resume operations before end of 2026 — Dr Kweku Nduom
1 hour -
Telecel CEO speaks on closing Africa’s gender gap in technology at Rwandan summit
1 hour -
Analysis: Why the cedi is depreciating
2 hours -
What are they hiding? – Tech consultant questions rush for 15 digital bills
2 hours -
To nationalise or transform? Joy Business hosts roundtable on Ghana’s extractive future
2 hours -
This is not how modern innovation ecosystems are built – Tech analyst warns over NITA Bill
2 hours -
A web developer could become a criminal – NITA Bill sparks fear among young innovators
3 hours -
Mercy Johnson faces backlash over $18.24 menstrual kit
3 hours