A top Congo opposition leader who fled the country has announced his candidacy for president and is commending a new political agreement that might allow him to come home.

In a statement Tuesday, Moise Katumbi praised the deal signed by political parties that calls for President Joseph Kabila to leave power after an election that will be held by the end of the year. The election originally had been set for November, and delays caused growing unrest.

Under the deal, mediating group CENCO will examine Katumbi's case. Katumbi fled Congo last year as prosecutors announced their intent to try him on charges of hiring mercenaries, which he has denied.

Katumbi says he will fight for "the rise of the rule of law" as a presidential candidate.