Congolese politics is once again in the spotlight with the announcement of Moïse Katumbi, declared presidential candidate for December 2023, who reveals that he rejected President Félix Tshiseskedi’s offer to become Prime Minister in 2020. In an interview with Young Africa, he explains that he does not regret having supported Félix Tshisekedi after his breakup with Joseph Kabila in October 2020.
Moïse Katumbi also looks back on recent events that have shaken his camp. His access was denied in the Kongo-Central province and one of his main advisers was brutally arrested. However, despite these difficulties, he says he is determined to face Felix Tshisekedi at the polls next December.
This focus on Congolese politics is part of a broader context of crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Indeed, the International Criminal Court is investigating crimes against humanity in the province of Lituiri, transporters have suspended transport on the roads leading to the former eastern province, and the food situation is precarious.
However, positive initiatives are also emerging. The fair for young Congolese entrepreneurs recently allowed promising exchanges on financing and inspiration, and 52,784 finalist students passed the ENAFEP 2023 edition in Kasai, a sign of the solidity of education in the DRC.
All of these events create a changing and sometimes contradictory dynamic in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where security, justice, food crisis, civil space, consolidation of peace and representation of women are all challenges to be met.