Congo opposition candidate Katumbi vows more security in militia-plagued east | Reuters

Presidential candidate Moise Katumbi has assured the residents of the eastern city of Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo that he will prioritize security in the face of escalating militia violence in the region. Speaking at a rally as part of his campaign to unseat President Felix Tshisekedi in the December 20 election, Katumbi addressed key security concerns, particularly in the mineral-rich eastern provinces of North Kivu and Ituri.

The Democratic Republic of Congo, a major global producer of cobalt and copper, has been grappling with the aftermath of a civil war that ended at the beginning of the century. The region is plagued by numerous armed militia groups vying for control of land and resources. The violence has led to the displacement of millions of civilians, with recent years witnessing an upsurge in fighting and brutal attacks.

Katumbi, a millionaire businessman and former governor of Katanga province, expressed his commitment to addressing the security challenges head-on. He emphasized his determination to resolve the issue once and for all, particularly highlighting the concerns surrounding the resurgence of the M23 rebel group, which made significant territorial gains last year, approaching the outskirts of Goma.

During the rally, Katumbi announced his investment in the region by purchasing a house in Goma, symbolizing his commitment to the community. He pledged not to reside in a rented house and vowed not to take a salary until the provinces of North Kivu and Ituri were liberated from the grip of armed groups.

The current president, Tshisekedi, has called for the removal of both the U.N. peacekeeping mission and an East African regional force deployed last year, citing perceived ineffectiveness in dealing with rebel groups. Katumbi's stance aligns with the broader sentiment calling for a comprehensive approach to address the security challenges in the region.

The upcoming presidential election features a competitive field of candidates, including leading opposition figures Martin Fayulu and Nobel Peace Prize-winning gynecologist Denis Mukwege. The political landscape has seen some candidates withdrawing from the race to support Katumbi, following discussions among opposition parties about consolidating their efforts to present a united front against Tshisekedi.