In a discreet meeting held in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo President Félix Tshisekedi received businessman Raphaël Katebe Katoto. The encounter, which took place over the weekend, was attended by several sources, according to Ouragan.cd. Photographs circulating online show a firm handshake between the two, indicating a sign of respect and renewed complicity. Tshisekedi was seen with a wide smile, contributing to a jovial atmosphere.
The meeting follows a series of consultations conducted by Katebe Katoto in Lubumbashi over several days. Although details of the discussion remain confidential, it is known that Katebe Katoto had been tasked with gathering input from various stakeholders in the Katanga region. These stakeholders included notables, civil society, religious leaders, entrepreneurs, youth, women, and community representatives. The topics discussed encompassed security, coexistence, development, and daily life concerns.
Raphaël Katebe Katoto has been making efforts to show his support for Tshisekedi's administration since his return to the country after nearly a decade in exile. In August 2026, during an online discussion organized by journalist Stanys Bujakera, Katebe Katoto expressed his backing for Tshisekedi, stating that the country was moving in the right direction and urging people to support rather than undermine the president's efforts.
The relationship between Raphaël Katebe Katoto and Moïse Katumbi, his brother and a prominent political figure, is complex. Born in Kashobwe, the two are sons of Nissim Soriano, a Greek Jew who fled Nazism. Their history is marked by broken pacts and political differences. Katebe Katoto has been involved in a legal dispute with his brother over several valuable properties.
The lawsuit, filed in August 2026, seeks recognition of Katebe Katoto's rights to properties including residences in Mulonde, Lofoi n°22, and Kashobwe, as well as farms Futuka and Munguzi. The opposing side views the timing of the lawsuit as suspicious, coinciding with Katebe Katoto's return and his mission on behalf of Tshisekedi. They fear that the case may be used to weaken Katumbi politically and financially.
Observers note similarities between Tshisekedi's approach and that of former President Joseph Kabila, who also used Katebe Katoto to diminish Moïse Katumbi's influence in Katanga. The current situation raises questions about whether this is a coincidence or a deliberate strategy to undermine Katumbi's political base.
As the situation unfolds, it remains unclear whether Raphaël Katebe Katoto was approached by the government to serve its interests or if he is acting independently to reclaim what he believes are his properties. With no concrete evidence of government involvement, speculation continues about the implications of this meeting for the country's political landscape.
Key points
- The meeting between Félix Tshisekedi and Raphaël Katebe Katoto has sparked speculation about a potential alliance and its impact on the DRC's politics.
