DRC: controversy over the nationality of Moïse Katumbi revived by a bill

Moïse Katumbi in Lubumbashi, June 2, 2015 © AFP / FEDERICO SCOPPA

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3 min

In the DRC, the question of nationality to be presidential resurfaced two and a half years from the end of Felix Tshisekedi's mandate.

Noël Tshiani made a bill according to which " 

can only be a candidate for President of the Republic who is born of a Congolese father and mother 

".

A subject of particular concern to the camp of Moïse Katumbi whose nationality had already been the subject of debates before the presidential election of 2018.

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With our correspondent in Lubumbashi,

Denise Maheho

The Constitution of the DRC stipulates in its article 10 that "

 Congolese nationality is either of origin or of acquisition 

".

She is of origin if one or both parents are Congolese.

Noël Tshiani, former presidential candidate in 2018, wants to change this provision.

He proposes that the presidential candidate should henceforth be "

born of a Congolese father and mother 

": "

 We want to make sure that we are not going to allow access to the functions of sovereignty to people whom we are not sure of. their total loyalty to our country.

It is not for the elections of 2023 quite simply. 

"

"

We must respect the Constitution of the country

 "

In the camp of Moïse Katumbi, it is estimated that this proposed law on nationality aims to exclude its leader from the presidential race of 2023. For his part,

Moïse Katumbi

recalls that the question of nationality is already settled by the Constitution : “

 We must not backtrack in the country.

We must respect the Constitution of the country.

If there is injustice, we will denounce it, we will defend ourselves.

And this division, or better yet, distraction, we can never accept.

 "

At the same time, Moïse Katumbi closed in Lubumbashi the activities of the official launch of his new political party "Together for the Republic".

Regarding the proposed law on nationality, it is still in the hands of the deputies of the various political groups, indicates its initiator Noël Tshiani, without giving further details.

He hopes that it will be tabled at the office of the National Assembly during the current parliamentary session.

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• DRC

• Moses Katumbi