More than 27 high-profile Congolese figures, including Moise Katumbi, considered a main opposition candidate in next year's presidential polls, have formed a coalition aimed at preventing a bid from Joseph Kabila for a third term, their statement said.
27 Congo figures form coalition to stop president's 3rd term
Kabila, who is constitutionally barred from seeking a third term in office, has not commented publicly on his political ambitions despite critics' accusations that he is attempting to cling to power.
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"We have decided to combine our forces, our human and material resources, our strategies and our actions, to create a citizen coalition named 'Citizen Front 2016'," the statement reads.
The announcement comes as the vast central African country's parliament contemplates giving more protection from prosecution to former rulers, viewed as a way of encouraging Kabila to step down in November next year.
Africa's biggest copper producer has not had a single peaceful handover of power since independence from former colonial master Belgium in 1960.
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