In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Moïse Katumbi has returned to Kinshasa as he prepares to submit his candidacy for the presidential elections scheduled for December 20, 2023.
Before formally submitting his candidacy for the Congolese presidency, Moïse Katumbi embarked on a three-week journey across the country. During this time, he visited five provinces, undertaking a tour aimed at revitalizing and solidifying the presence of his political party. This tour, as revealed by Olivier Kamitatu, Moïse Katumbi’s Chief of Staff and spokesperson, was far from a smooth endeavor, as it encountered hostility from public authorities.
A Demonstrated National Popularity
“At each step, obstacles had to be overcome. Whether it was with traders or private companies, who were prevented from selling him fuel or renting buses for people to come and welcome him. Government offices also refused to grant access to public spaces for him to address the population,” explained Olivier Kamitatu.
“This journey was far from a walk in the park. Moïse Katumbi covered over 130 kilometers on foot and more than 800 kilometers by boat. All of this was done in true communion with the population. Every cloud has a silver lining. During this tour in the western part of the country, Moïse Katumbi demonstrated that he has broken free from the narrow perception of being solely a Katangan leader in which some sought to confine him. He has demonstrated a national popularity, which is a significant takeaway and one of the key lessons from this tour,” he concluded.
Moïse Katumbi’s extensive and arduous pre-campaign tour has underscored the fierce competition and political dynamics in the lead-up to the presidential elections in the DRC. As he submits his candidacy, the nation anticipates a closely contested and pivotal electoral process that will shape the future leadership of the country.