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President Félix Tshisekedi’s second-term inauguration in the Democratic Republic of Congo is set to be a grand international event with over 40 delegations and at least 15 Heads of state in attendance.

Shrouded in secrecy by the Congolese presidency, the guest list was partially revealed by official sources indicating invitations sent to around four dignitaries within the country.

Agence Congolaise de Presse stated late Wednesday that the presence of Heads of State from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) was confirmed, totaling 15 leaders.

The East African Community also tentatively agreed to be represented by their respective Heads of State, though Kenya and Rwanda were yet to make formal decisions.

Neighboring Central African countries, including President Denis Sassou Nguesso, are set to attend the inauguration at Kinshasa’s Martyrs stadium on January 20.

Senegal’s president and Togolese leader Faure Gnassigbé will likely attend, marking a departure from previous ceremonies with sparse international representation.

The evolving guest list suggests a significant international resurgence for the DRC, with even the United States breaking tradition by forming a delegation from Washington rather than delegating the local ambassador.