DRC presidential election: Opposition leader Moïse Katumbi holds his first major rally in Kisangani

In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), several candidates for the December 20, 2023 presidential election were on the ground on the second day of the electoral campaign. Opposition leader and former Katanga governor Moïse Katumbi held his first major rally in the city centre of Kisangani, a city in the north-east of the country.

Moïse Katumbi after his nomination by his political party as a candidate for the 2023 presidential election in the DRC, delivers his speech (illustrative image). © Denise Maheho - RFI

By: RFI Follow

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With our special correspondent in Kisangani, Pascal Mulegwa

From Bangoka airport, Moïse Katumbi began a procession. More than 15 kilometers to the post office square where thousands of residents and supporters were waiting for him.

He first thanked his fellow candidates, Matata Mponyo, Seth Kikuni and Frank Diongo who withdrew in his favour in the last 24 hours, while hoping that others will follow.

Moïse Katumbi did not hesitate to criticise Tshisekedi's rule, a regime, according to him, "of broken promises". For the opposition, the security, economic and social situation has deteriorated over the past five years. He promised to put an end to insecurity across the country with only the Congolese army, without foreign intervention.

Finally, he outlined part of his governance project in which he foresees "a five-year budget of more than USD 140 billion with projects achievablethrough the fight against corruption and the diversification of the economy," he said

In the next steps, the opposition leader plans to travel to other towns in the northeast to solicit the vote of the Congolese.

Outgoing President Félix Tshisekedi was in Kongo-Central in Moanda and Boma. MP Delly Sesanga was still in Kenge, Kwango, while opposition leader and unsuccessful 2018 candidate Martin Fayulu continues his tour of the neighbouring province of Kwilu with a stop in Bagata.

Read alsoPresidential election in DRC: Matata Ponyo withdraws in favor of Moïse Katumbi and invites other candidates to imitate him

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