DRC tycoon rejects election endorsement rumours
…Moïse Katumbi draws a hard diplomatic line, blasting viral social media propaganda linking him to Brian Mundubile’s presidential ambitions as flat-out lies
By DAVID KANDUZA
DEMOCRATIC Republic of Congo (DRC) opposition leader and billionaire business executive Moïse Katumbi has fiercely rebuffed viral social media reports claiming he has thrown his political weight behind presidential aspirant Brian Mundubile.
Using exceptionally firm language to shut down the spreading internet rumours, the influential Ensemble pour la République leader told architects of the misinformation to back off.
He stated unequivocally that he had absolutely no involvement in the electoral dynamics of neighbouring Zambia.
The controversy erupted after online political operatives circulated claims suggesting Mr Katumbi—a figure with immense regional influence and deep historical ties to Zambia—had officially endorsed a candidate for Zambia’s highly anticipated upcoming general elections.
The rumour mill specifically attempted to link him to the camp of opposition figure Brian Mundubile.
Mr Katumbi did not mince words in his response.
He moved swiftly to dismantle the narrative before it could gain diplomatic traction.
“I wish to distance myself from the false information circulating online claiming that I have endorsed a presidential candidate in the upcoming Zambian general elections,” Mr Katumbi declared in a formal press release.
The seasoned Congolese statesman, who famously governed the mineral-rich Katanga Province bordering Zambia, emphasised his deep understanding of international relations.
He stated that his status as a respected regional leader prevents him from meddling in foreign domestic policies.
Mr Katumbi noted that he holds the territorial integrity, sovereignty and domestic affairs of neighbouring countries in the highest regard.
He urged the general public to completely disregard the viral claims, branding them as highly misleading tactics.
“I therefore have nothing to do with the misleading information being circulated online under my name and I urge the public to disregard the allegations,” Mr Katumbi stated.
“I have not endorsed any presidential candidate or political party in Zambia and do not intend to do so,” he said.
Closing the door firmly on any future speculation, Mr Katumbi reiterated that the choice of Zambia’s next head of State rests squarely on the shoulders of the Zambian electorate.
He emphasised that external actors had zero business steering the nation’s democratic choices.
“This is purely a domestic matter for the Zambian people to decide exclusively,” Mr Katumbi concluded.
Political analysts view Mr Katumbi’s rapid and aggressive disclaimer as a strategic move to safeguard his international standing.
It also prevents his name from being weaponised as local factions ramp up heavy political maneuvering ahead of the Zambian polls.
By telling local actors to look elsewhere for clout, the DRC tycoon has drawn an unshakeable boundary between his own political battles at home and the democratic choices of the Zambian people.