DRC opposition endorses Katumbi for presidency

An opposition group in the Democratic Republic of Congo has named Moise Katumbi as its presidential candidate in elections scheduled for November.

The group dubbed G7 announced Katumbi’s candidacy after a meeting in the capital Kinshasa, on Wednesday.

G7 opposition alliance nominates Moise Katumbi as its presidential candidate for 2016 elections

— Stephanie Wolters (@wolterssteph) March 30, 2016

The wealthy politician is a former provincial governor of copper rich Katanga province and the owner of TP Mazembe, one of Africa’s most successful football clubs.

The 51-year-old resigned from the ruling People’s Party for Reconstruction and Democracy in September and criticized alleged efforts by the government to bypass the constitution and delay elections.

Katumbi is a popular figure in Congo and seen as a strong challenger to President Joseph Kabila.

“Katumbi is the strongest competitor that Kabila has at the moment, there is little doubt about that,” https://t.co/pR01Km91Ne

— Olivier Kamitatu (@OlivierKamitatu) March 30, 2016