With our correspondent in Kinshasa, Patient Ligodi

It is via WhatsApp that he communicates with the few people he has reconnected with in recent days. Kalev Mutond says he is abroad, in an African country. He explains the reasons for his clandestinity and denounces the strong-arm method employed during searches of his offices and residences.

According to those close to him, Kalev Mutond does not fear the accusations against him. His lawyers have filed a complaint against the seven complainants for damaging imputations, slanderous denunciations and criminal association.

A new hearing following the direct summons is already scheduled for July 19. The former top cop announces that he would even be willing to personally confront the complainants. But to do so his lawyers are asking the Prosecutor General at the Court of Appeal of Kinshasa-Gombe to order the dismissal of the proceedings initiated against him. And to abandon the warrant for arrest and the search notice issued against him last March.

Kalev Mutond says he wants to appear as a free man at the trial he initiated to organize his defense without hindrance.

►Also read: In the DRC, victims of former ANR chief Kalev Mutond go on the offensive legally