‘President Kabila must leave by front door’

Opposition leader, Moise Katumbi, yesterday claimed that the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)’s current president has a “three year plan” to illegally remain in power and urged the Congolese people to ensure President Joseph Kabila “leaves through the front door”.

The opposition figure’s comments come as the country heads into fresh turbulence.

The Congolese people are expecting presidential elections in November 2016, but a number of signs appear to suggest that the current president is seeking to hold on to power beyond his mandate.

Under the constitution, Kabila is required to step down at the end of his second term in office – after winning 2006 and 2011 elections.

Constitutionally, the electoral body (CENI) must call for elections on September 20, and by December 20, a new president must be sworn in office.

In June, the Catholic Church piled pressure on Kabila to “respect the constitution” by stepping down from power when his mandate expires and warned that if he does not, he risks triggering a tumultuous period in a country which has already witnessed political crackdown and bloodshed.

During his a one-day visit to Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni on August 4, Kabila, who is not eligible to stand in the next elections, spoke for the first time about the issue of elections following claims he wants to stay beyond his tenure.

He told media the election timetable would not be published before the end of the voters’ register process that began on July 31, 2016, and the nation would only hold elections when voter rolls are available.

“We have organised elections on two occasions. Elections are organised by an independent Electoral Commission. In order for them to be organised, we need a voters register and registration,” he told media.

“We have started voter registration. It will take time but as soon as the voters register is available, we shall have an election.”

The CENI previously announced revised dates and budgets for the upcoming elections. In February, the body said it needs more than a year to update voter rolls and the government stated it was missing the $2m (£1.3m) budget outlined by CENI to fund the presidential ballot.