The Democratic Republic of Congo is actively preparing for the presidential election which will be held next December. Candidates are multiplying and two opposition heavyweights have already submitted their applications: Moïse Katumbi and Martin Fayulu. These two men, who have a long political history in the DRC, hope to take the reins of the country and bring about significant change.
Moïse Katumbi, former governor of Katanga, is an influential figure on the Congolese political scene. Forced into exile due to his conflicting relations with former President Joseph Kabila, Katumbi returned to the country in 2019 and decided to launch the presidential race again. His file was almost rejected by the Independent National Electoral Commission (Céni), but it was ultimately accepted. Katumbi is counting on his experience as governor and his popularity to convince voters to place their trust in him.
As for Martin Fayulu, he still considers himself the true president-elect following the 2018 election. He claims victory and promises to fight for transparency and truth at the polls. Fayulu filed his candidacy with determination, saying he will not accept someone “stealing the people’s victory.” His political career and his desire to make things happen have allowed him to carve out an important place on the Congolese scene.
However, Moïse Katumbi and Martin Fayulu are not the only contenders for the presidency. Denis Mukwege, a famous surgeon and human rights activist, has also decided to run as an independent candidate. His commitment to peace and justice earned him the Nobel Prize in 2018, and he now hopes to use his fame to improve the situation in the country.
Other candidates include former prime ministers like Adolphe Muzito and Augustin Matata, as well as new faces such as Rex Kazadi and Constant Mutamba. The diversity of the candidates testifies to the growing interest of the Congolese in politics and their desire to bring real change to their country.
This presidential election will therefore be a key moment for the DRC, which is seeking to rebuild itself after years of conflict and instability. Candidates will have to convince voters of their skills and their ability to meet the aspirations of the Congolese people. The coming months therefore promise to be rich in debates and major political issues. The Congolese people are now waiting to see who their next leader will be and how he will meet the challenges facing the nation.