Title: The challenges of contesting the Congolese nationality of Moïse Katumbi
Introduction :
In the Congolese political landscape, a case is making a lot of noise on Monday, October 30, 2023. It is the contestation of the Congolese nationality of Moïse Katumbi, candidate in the presidential election on December 20. This situation raises serious questions and raises important issues for the political future of the country.
The application to challenge the application:
Moïse Katumbi is faced with two requests aimed at invalidating his candidacy for the presidency. Candidate President of the Republic Noël Tshiani and Junior Tshuvuadi have made accusations of “lack of original Congolese nationality” and “lack of nationality, corruption and illegal transfer of minerals to another destination”. These protests cast doubt on Katumbi’s legitimacy as a presidential candidate.
The question of original Congolese nationality:
The electoral law and the constitution of the Republic clearly stipulate that a presidential candidate must be of Congolese origin, that is to say born to a Congolese father or mother. Having a Congolese nationality certificate is not enough to be eligible for the highest office. Katumbi will therefore have to provide conclusive proof attesting that his parents are of Congolese origin.
The controversies surrounding Katumbi’s family:
This affair revives old controversies concerning the family of Moïse Katumbi. Her half-brother, businessman Katebe Katoto, said a few years ago that their mother was of Zambian origin. While there is no need to resurrect these family controversies, it is clear that evidence of Katumbi’s original Congolese nationality will be closely examined by the Constitutional Court.
The decision of the Constitutional Court:
The Constitutional Court plays a crucial role in this matter. It will have to decide based on the elements in its possession to determine the validity or otherwise of Moïse Katumbi’s candidacy. This decision will have a major impact on the Congolese political landscape and on the upcoming presidential election.
Conclusion :
The challenge to the Congolese nationality of Moïse Katumbi raises important issues for the presidential election in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This case highlights the need to respect the nationality criteria to be a candidate for the supreme office. The decision of the Constitutional Court will be decisive for the political future of the country and arouses the attention of the Congolese population. We will have to wait impatiently for the Court’s verdict to know the fate of candidate Moïse Katumbi.