Congo ex-governor is presidential candidate for opposition

KINSHASA, Congo – A former governor with Congo’s ruling party said Wednesday he would run as an opposition candidate in the Central African country’s November presidential elections.

Moise Katumbi, who served as governor of Katanga, accepted the nomination by three opposition movements.

“Since I resigned my position as governor of Katanga in September 2015, we have worked to develop a common society project, with all political and social forces that are committed toward change,” a statement accepting the nomination said. “I will lead this project in a spirit of national harmony.”

Katumbi criticized alleged efforts to delay elections when he resigned from the ruling party last year. In Wednesday’s statement, he said that the appointment of a common candidate among opposition parties is a major objective to increase the chances of electoral success which would then ensure political change, adding that negotiations with other groups and politicians will be conducted with this in mind.

“I invite my fellow countrymen, enamoured with peace, freedom and progress, to join our peaceful battle for a guaranteed victory,” he said.

The opposition have recently been victims of judicial and police harassment, he said.

In recent months, the United Nations has denounced what it calls arbitrary arrests of opponents and activists and the U.S. has expressed concern about legal action against pro-democracy activists.

The opposition is worried President Joseph Kabila, who has been in power since 2001 and is meant to leave office in December, will try to stay in power. He is barred by the constitution from seeking a third term.

Congo has not had a peaceful transfer of power in its more than 55 years of independence.

Congo’s minister of justice on Wednesday also announced an investigation into Katumbi’s security guards.