Democratic Republic of Congo Thursday January 24, witnessed the first peaceful transfer of political power in the capital, Kinshasa.

The new president, Felix Tshisekedi took his oath of office in the presence of thousands of Congolese at the Palais de Nations. The oath was administered by head of the Constitutional Court.

Immediate past Joseph Kabila afterwards handed over the flag and constitution of the country to Tshisekedi as both men shared an embrace amid smiles and cheers from attendees present.

The 56-year-old becomes the fifth president of the country.

Since independence from Belgium in 1960, DRC, had Joseph Kasavubu, Mobutu Sese Seko, Laurent and Joseph Kabila as it past leaders.