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DR Congo opposition leader says to return despite charges

Xinhua, July 6, 2016 Adjust font size:

Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) opposition leader and presidential candidate Moise Katumbi on Tuesday told a French television station he will soon return to the country, despite charges facing him.

"I am not in exile. I came for medical treatment and I will return once I am done with the treatment," said Katumbi, who is receiving medical treatment in France.

On May 19, Katumbi who is a former governor of Katanga province, was charged for threatening state security by hiring foreign mercenaries.

On May 20, the opposition leader was allowed by the prosecutor to leave the country and seek medical attention abroad. However, on June 22, he was sentenced in absentia to three years in prison for selling a building he did not own.

"First, it is a false charge and the arrest warrant is fake. They think because I was charged, I will not return to the country. I will return to the country because my conscience is very clear," he insisted.

The second and final term of incumbent DR Congo President Joseph Kabila ends this year.

Although the president has convened a national dialogue to discuss matters related to the elections, the opposition has refused to participate, arguing that the president plans to use the issue of dialogue to remain in power beyond this year. Enditem