Congolese opposition leader Moïse Katumbi has crossed no-man’s land between Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo with thousands of his supporters who came to meet him.
He is currently at immigration, reports the BBC’s senior Africa correspondent Anne Soy.
Earlier we quoted his supporters as saying he had crossed the border.
On Friday morning, the authorities said he would not be allowed to enter the country. He had requested authorisation to fly back from South Africa, but when this was denied he decided to fly to Zambia and then cross the border into DR Congo by road.
The border town of Kasumbalesa is about 95km (59 miles) to his hometown Lubumbashi.
A wealthy businessman and former governor, Mr Katumbi left DR Congo in 2016.
He was later sentenced in absentia to 36 months in prison on charges he says are politically motivated.
He wants to return before a deadline for people to register their candidacy for the long-delayed presidential elections – now scheduled to take place in December.
Katumbi’s spokesperson Olivier Kamitatu had said “authorisation to fly over and land had been refused by Kinshasa”.
“We will take off in the direction of (Zambian city) Ndola to take the road to Lubumbashi,” Kamitatu tweeted.
At least two police checkpoints were set up to screen access to Lubumbashi’s airport on Friday morning and the main road to Zambia had been blocked by a truck, an AFP journalist said.
“As you can see, we are waiting for the president (Katumbi), but those in power do not want him to be there,” said Katumbi’s brother Abraham Soriano.
The former governor of the mineral-rich southern province of Katanga had once been close to long-serving President Joseph Kabila before the two had a falling out.
If Katumbi does return he faces possible arrest after being handed a three-year jail term in absentia in June 2016 in a case of alleged property fraud, charges he denies.
Another rival of Kabila, former rebel leader Jean-Pierre Bemba, returned to the country and officially launched his bid for the presidency this week.
The DRC has never known a peaceful transition of power since it gained independence in 1960 – and some experts fear that the December 23 elections may trigger a bloody conflict.
Kabila, 47, has been at the helm since 2001, presiding over a vast mineral-rich country with a reputation for corruption, inequality and unrest.
He was scheduled to stand down at the end of 2016 after his second elected term, technically the last permitted under the constitution.
Kabila has refused to spell out whether he will seek a new term in the vote. Candidates must submit their applications by August 8 and physically be in the country to do so.
Source: BBC LIVE/AFP
African politics at its best. There is really a desperate lack of leadership in africa and it is very frustrating and gives people a lack of confidence in their political systems. Just like in zambia, congo has weak political and legal institutions. Therefore what you have are weak countries that can only be managed with the iron fist of the executive branch of government. Hence these countries do not see the need to amend constitutions in line with the reduction in power concentration in the president or rather executive branch of government. When we tell you rise up and vote upnd you dont listen. Enjoy bane
“Is Homophobia Associated with Homosexual Arousal?” (1996),
off topic, wrong article mate. Am sure you intended this for the article in relation to the two convicted homos. To answer your question, there will be a few people out there who fit your statement. Sexuality these days is an open and free idea. You are free to indulge in whatever you feel does it for you.
He should partner with Kambwili
Where does SADC and ka lungu stand on this blocking of an opposition figure ?
The great leader of Zambia President ECL and in his capacity as in coming chair of piece and security in SADC has written to congratulate ED for being elected president in Zimbabwe and other letter to the president of DRC to allow citizens to freely participate in the elections.
Thank you Zambia for allowing this man, a thinker and a leader to come to Zambia and plan to go home. Nothing lasts forever. African leaders fail to read the writing on the wall choosing to resist the will of the people. If you are not liked JUST GO AWAY! FAR AWAY! Stop the confusion!
Afterall Kabila is Rwandese who was adopted by Desire Kabila the late DRC President.
Zambian border with DRC is the most porous border I have ever seen…even Koffie can just slide through without passport, you see him come in but never see him leave.
Africa rotten to the core.Why can’t they allow Katumbi to come back home.I thought everyone has a franchise.Joseph must let Katumbi to register his name for presidency and the people will decide the rightfull candidate by their vote.
It doesn’t make sense. You sentence a guy in absentia and when he decides to return you block him. So how’s going to serve his jail sentence if he can’t enter the country?
Only time will tell
Its so unbelievable that one would think they will live for ever. Kabila leave the stage while pipo are are still clapping. Because trust me, behind that clap is a reserve of insults.
Pipo stopped clapping the moment he refused to step down and hand over power the guys lost it he wants it done the way mugabe was done by force ????????
Expect more blood shed in that natural resource blessed but conflict cursed nation DRC if they assassinate Moise which is very likely for them to attempt. Brave yourselves and I expect our own Zambian security and defence forces to be on high alert especially on those sensitive border points such as Kasenga, Mukambu and across the pedicle road. I would not advise anyone to use that road until things cool down.