Moïse Katumbi, the Congolese political opponent, is returning to Kinshasa to submit his candidacy for the next presidential election scheduled for December 20, 2023. Before submitting his file, Katumbi undertook a tour across the country to strengthen the presence of his party and mobilize its supporters. However, this tour was not without its challenges, with many obstacles thrown in its way.
According to his chief of staff and spokesperson, Olivier Kamitatu, local authorities have shown hostility towards Katumbi. Traders and private companies were prevented from providing him with fuel or renting buses for his travels. In addition, local administrations refused to grant him access to public places so that he could speak to the population.
Despite these obstacles, Katumbi managed to complete his tour, covering more than 130 kilometers on foot and more than 800 kilometers by boat. He was able to see its popularity not only in his native region of Katanga, but also throughout the country. This tour thus made it possible to demonstrate that Katumbi is much more than just a regional leader, but a candidate with national popularity.
However, this hostile meeting during his tour raises questions about the fairness and transparency of the electoral process in the DRC. The obstacles placed in Katumbi’s path highlight the difficulties faced by political opponents in the country. It is essential that the electoral process is fair and impartial in order to guarantee real democracy in the DRC.
This tour also allowed Katumbi to take the pulse of the population and understand the problems they face on a daily basis. This will allow him to implement appropriate policies and meet the expectations of his voters. In a country where the political stakes are high, a candidate’s ability to identify with the concerns of their fellow citizens is a valuable asset.
In short, Moïse Katumbi’s tour in the DRC before submitting his candidacy for the presidency was marked by challenges and obstacles. However, this did not dampen his determination to represent the interests of the Congolese population. His national popularity demonstrated during this tour highlights the support he enjoys across the country. It remains to be seen how the electoral process will unfold and whether it will truly be fair and transparent. The next presidential election in the DRC will be a crucial moment for the future of the country.