A major Congolese politician Moise Katumbi who tried entering the country has been denied access at the border.
Katumbi who is a well known businessman is hoping to contest the presidential election. He was refused entry into Congo via the country’s land border with Zambia on Friday.
He disclosed his inability to enter the country in a tweet on Friday. Katumbi is hoping to get the chance to file documents for his presidential bid.
He said “The regime forbids my landing & barricades the border… My crime? Wanting to enter my country & apply. Trying to block me, we want to withdraw the Congolese their right to a real election. I’ll fight! Thanks to the huge crowd here at #Kasumbalesa!”
Thousands of his supporters had earlier gathered at the Congolese side of the border to welcome him.
Police fired shots to disperse the supporters as government insists Mr. Katumbi will not be allowed into the country.
The wealthy businessman and former governor, Mr Katumbi went into exile in May 2016 following accusations that he hired foreign mercenaries.
RDC: @moise_katumbi ” I am going to Congo for the elections, for the first peaceful transfer of power in DRC”. pic.twitter.com/nI2Z3s8awr
— Ensemble pour le Changement (@Ensemble_MK) August 1, 2018
Despite denying the claim, he received a three year jail term later for real estate fraud, a charge he also denies.
Can Katumbi run for President?
But Katumbi however looks unlikely to qualify to stand for the elections. Congo’s attorney general is also investigating him over claims that he used to hold Italian nationality.
Holding another nationality disqualifies one from contesting as President in DR Congo.
It’s Africa, just down the road on Zambias border with Congo, opposition leader @moise_katumbi has been barred from entering the country to present his credentials for the coming elections. It looks like he is most feared than Bemba who received a heroes welcome. pic.twitter.com/0wQTGs7Lo6
— Rebuilding Africa (@MloweGod) August 3, 2018
Kabila’s stay in power
Joseph Kabila has been in office for 17 years and cannot contest the upcoming elections due to constitutional restrictions.
Katumbi is hoping to join forces with other opposition politicians to oust him.
On Thursday former vice president, Jean-Pierre Bemba filed his candidacy for the December’s presidential election.
The Congolese opposition leader returned home on Wednesday after spending a decade in prison.
Source: Africafeeds.com
