Felix Tshisekedi took the oath of office as the fifth president of the Democratic Republic of Congo on Thursday, marking the first peaceful, democratic transfer of power since independence in 1960 from Belgium.

The ceremony took place at the State Palace, in the capital city of Kinshasa. Media reports said that Tshisekedi, 55, was taken ill during his inauguration and briefly halted his speech. He later continued and called for national reconciliation, saying that his government will promote stability, peace and security.

Tshisekedi is taking office following a ruling by the Constitutional Court that upheld his victory. He had clinched 38.5 percent of the votes while Martin Fayulu, also from the opposition had 34.8 percent in a presidential election in December.

Tshisekedi succeeds Joseph Kabila, who has been on the helm for 18 years. Kabila took over from his father Laurent-Desire Kabila, who was assassinated in 2011. He had led a successful coup that toppled Mobutu Sese Seko's 32-year rule.

Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta was the only head of state at the swearing in event. Raila Odinga, Kenya's opposition leader, also was present.