The Former Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Augustin Matata Ponyo, has withdrawn from next month's presidential election.

He said he would now be backing Moïse Katumbi, a millionaire businessman and former governor of the Katanga region.

Representatives of Dr Congo's main opposition parties, had earlier held talks on how to ensure the election would be fair, and to investigate the possibility of a potential joint candidate to challenge president Felix Tshisekedi.

Mr Ponyo, said he believes more other opposition candidates will follow in his footstep to withdraw in support of Mr Katumbi.

Both served under former president joseph kabila - Mr Ponyo as prime minister for more than four years and Mr Katumbi as governor of the copper-rich Katanga province for nine years.

President Tshisekedi, who's seeking a second term, was among several candidates who officially launched their campaigns yesterday.