Congo opens investigation into top opposition leader

DAKAR, Senegal – Congo’s attorney general says he has opened an investigation against a main opposition leader after reports that he may have Italian citizenship.

Attorney General Flory Kabange Numbi told Radio Okapi on Tuesday that former Katanga Gov. Moise Katumbi may have taken advantage of false documents.

Katumbi is in exile and is considered the main opposition candidate to replace President Joseph Kabila in long-delayed presidential elections.

Congo’s constitution says Congolese nationality must be exclusive. A Jeune Afrique report says Katumbi has held Italian nationality since 2000.

Katumbi fled into exile in 2016 after being accused of recruiting foreign mercenaries. He was also sentenced to three years in prison for real estate fraud.

Katumbi denies the accusations, calling them politically motivated. He says he will return to Congo for campaigning and elections.