LUBUMBASHI — Democratic Republic of the Congo President Joseph Kabila should be granted immunity from prosecution after he leaves office, said Moise Katumbi, the popular former governor widely considered the frontrunner to replace him.
The statement by Mr Katumbi is likely to be viewed as an attempt to convince Mr Kabila to leave office when his second and final elected term ends next year.
Mr Katumbi, who led the mining province of Katanga, did not specify what charges Mr Kabila, who has ruled Africa’s top copper producer for nearly 15 years, could potentially face.
In an interview, Mr Katumbi said he had discussed the subject of immunity for Mr Kabila with fellow opposition figures Etienne Tshisekedi and Vital Kamerhe during a recent visit to Europe. “I … discussed with them that we would need to see how to protect the (former head) of state,” he said on Tuesday.
“Because, you know, I would not want to have a Congo, where a president will be pursued after his mandate.”
Critics accuse Mr Kabila of seeking to defy a constitutional term limit and cling to power.
Mr Katumbi urged the president to step down next year and allow the country to experience its first peaceful transition of power.
That would make Mr Kabila the “father of Congolese democracy”, he said.
Mr Kabila has refused to comment publicly on his political future, although a spokesman has said he intended to respect the constitution.
Reuters
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