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DRC opposition party leader being treated in SA

Democratic Republic of Congo's opposition Presidential candidate Moise Katumbi talks to his supporters after leaving the prosecutor's office in Lubumbashi, the capital of Katanga province of the Democratic Republic of Congo. REUTERS/Kenny Katombe/File Photo
Democratic Republic of Congo's opposition Presidential candidate Moise Katumbi talks to his supporters after leaving the prosecutor's office in Lubumbashi, the capital of Katanga province of the Democratic Republic of Congo. REUTERS/Kenny Katombe/File Photo

Democratic Republic of Congo opposition leader Moise Katumbi is in South Africa for medical treatment.

According to a report on BCC the opposition presidential hopeful flew to the country a day after authorities issued an arrest warrant for him.

He was accused of hiring foreign mercenaries in an alleged plot against the state‚ which he denies.

His lawyer‚ Georges Kapiamba‚ said he had been in a hospital in Lubumbashi since police had fired tear gas during a protest.

Prosecutors allowed him to travel for treatment on condition that he returned to face the criminal charges against him.

“The politician was weak but boarded the flight unaided‚” BBC quoted Kapiamba as saying.

Katumbi has denied the charges against him as an attempt to stall his campaign to replace President Joseph Kabila in November polls.

Kabila has been in power since 2001‚ is nearing the end of his second term and he is constitutionally obliged to step down by December.

But there is growing political tension in the country as it is not clear if he will relinquish power.

 

 

 

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