DRC: Excitement in Lubumbashi ahead of Katumbi's return

Supporters of Moise Katumbi are awaiting his return to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), that is scheduled for Monday at 10:00 hours local time.

The opposition politician has been living in exile for the last three years, after he was charged by former president Joseph Kabila’s government of several crimes including fraud, hiring foreign mercenaries and illegally acquiring a second citizenship.

Convictions against the 54-year-old politician have since been dismissed under the new government led by Felix Tshisekedi, paving way for Katumbi to return to DRC a free man.

Katumbi’s party, Ensemble pour le Changement, had tasked the new president to demonstrate a commitment to democratic reforms by releasing political prisoners and facilitating the return of exiled politicians.

Katumbi, along with another opposition heavyweight politician, Jean Pierre Bemba, supported Martin Fayulu, in the election won by Tshisekedi.

Fayulu welcomed Katumbi home on Monday, posting on his official Twitter account;

‘‘No matter how long the night, the day always ends up rising. Welcome home Moïse Katumbi,’‘ Fayulu said.

Highly anticipated return

A ‘welcome back’ sign being put up outside home of senior opposition figure Moïse Katumbi, who will be returning to DR Congo tomorrow after over 2 yrs in self-imposed exile.
Last month Court overturned his fraud jail sentence, paving the way for his return.
(Image via WhatsApp) pic.twitter.com/39GKPwxKrJ

— Samira Sawlani (@samirasawlani) 19 mai 2019

On our way to the luano's airport in Lubumbashi with ii_papy. The chairmain moise_katumbi is back for the better of DRCMuyamboKyassa scodenational pic.twitter.com/2HqopoXiru

— Emery Pat. OLENGHA (@EPOlengha) 20 mai 2019

Welcome home Moise katumbi we waiting for you , and I say thank to the president Fatshi for everything. Thanks

— kabemba dawson (@jordanNyembo) 20 mai 2019

Welcome moise_katumbi pic.twitter.com/tzDBKq8Aqm

— ???? DRC= Felix président (nestac245) 19 mai 2019

Lubumbashi airport at a standstill. Thousands making their way to the airport to recieve Moise Katumbi #DRC pic.twitter.com/SeVw4Lpbo0

— Catherine Wambua- Soi (@C_SOI) May 20, 2019

Katumbi’s last attempt to return home before the presidential elections last year, was unsuccessful after aviation authorities barred him from landing in Lubumbashi.