Uncertainty looms in DRC after the indictment of Moise Katumbi

Uncertainty is looming in the Democratic Republic of Congo after the indictment of presidential hopeful Moise Katumbi.

Street protests have still not been witnessed as it was the case during his first hearing despite the government spokesperson announcing that his movements have now been restricted.

Speaking to Africanews, Congolese journalist Tchitenge Lubabu Muitubile believes this won’t last for long.

“It’s possible to have a reaction from his supporters. We must note that he is very popular in Lubumbashi and throughout the Katanga Province. Those accompanying him were protesting his arrest and the charges against him for hiring mercenaries. So to his supporters it makes no sense. Katumbi could not recruit mercenaries to wage war,” he said.

Katumbi’s supporters repeatedly clashed with police during three days of hearings last week and his indictment and possible arrest raise the prospect of further violence. Lubumbashi was calm on Thursday afternoon with few yet aware of the news.

The former governor of Katanga has been charged with threatening state security but he has denied all these allegations on social media.

He has defended himself by saying the accusations are aimed at derailing his campaign to succeed President Joseph Kabila in elections scheduled for later this year.