Exiled Democratic Republic of Congo opposition leader Moise Katumbi plans to return to the country on May 20, he revealed in an interview with France 24.
The 54-year-old has been away from his country for nearly three years for fear of his life.
“It is certain, on May 20, I will be in Lubumbashi,” Katumbi said in his interview.
He also revealed that after returning to Lubumbashi he plans to set out on a nationwide tour, saying he wants to “comfort” the people of DR Congo, especially “families who have been ill treated […] and who have lived through hell”.
Katumbi was in June 2016 sentenced in absentia to 36 months in prison for allegedly selling property illegally. He however dismissed the charges as bogus, claiming they were politically motivated.
The Court of Cassation however annulled the prison sentence earlier this year.
In his interview, he said that the court’s decision did not come as a result of any influence by the presidency.
Katumbi was forced to shelve his ambitions to become president because he was unable to return to his country to register for the vote.
The long-delayed vote was held in December, with Felix Tshisekedi emerging winner and replacing Joseph Kabila.
