Moïse Katumbi, leader of the opposition in the DRC, files his candidacy for the 2023 presidential election

Kinshasa, October 4, 2023 –Former governor of the Katanga province and politician, Moïse Katumbi, has filed his candidacy for the next presidential elections scheduled for December 20, 2023.

The filing of his candidacy takes place in a dramatic context, marked by the assassination on July 13 of the Honorable Chérubin Okende, the “Goma Massacre”, the repression of opposition protests, the brutal and unjustified arrests of journalists and of our companions in arms, Salomon Idi Kalonda Della and the Honorable Mike Mukebayi Nkoso, or the hunt of political opponents who are condemned to live in hiding, like the Honorable Daniel Safu.

Speaking on the filing of his candidacy, Mr. Katumbi said: “Our country is condemned neither to war, nor to insecurity, nor to bad governance, nor to repeated violations of the rule of law and freedoms. Our country does not need selfish and corrupt leaders who seize the DRC’s wealth for their own benefit by condemning the people to hunger, unemployment and poverty. Our country does not need leaders who constantly drag it down. Our country needs leaders with integrity who will lift it up. Only clearly elected men and women will be able to restore the people’s confidence in them as they will be held accountable. I have faith in the genius, the courage and the strength of the Congolese people. It is for them that I will fight to the end.”

In the coming weeks, Ensemble pour la République will reveal its program. This program aims to restore stability and security by putting an end to the war in the east of the country, by reinstating the rule of law, by fighting against impunity, by ensuring a strong, inclusive and job-creating growth for the economy, by improving the business and investments climate, by upgrading the basic social services, by guaranteeing equal access to state responsibilities for women, and by strategically positioning the DRC on the world stage as a key player in meeting the numerous demands of sustainable development that the world is facing, such as the energy transition challenges.

Candidate to the highest office, Mr. Katumbi intends to end the war in the east of the country, to fight against corruption, to promote accountability in the management of the state affairs and to draw on his experience as a successful entrepreneur to attract investments, to create millions of jobs, to eradicate poverty and to transform the DRC in a visible and tangible manner. He is offering to the Congolese people the hope for a new Congo! With Moïse Katumbi, another Congo is possible!

This article is a press statement for Ensemble pour la République.