Joseph Kabila, the former president of the Democratic Republic of Congo, has publicly condemned the current administration, labeling it a "dictatorship" in a recent YouTube address. The criticism comes just one day after Senate officials lifted his immunity from prosecution, paving the way for charges including treason and war crimes tied to his alleged links with the M23 rebel group, which has taken control of territories in the eastern part of the country.
Kabila, who led DR Congo from 2001 to 2019, expressed his concern over the country's unity, stating that his silence was no longer tenable given the ongoing turmoil. His 45-minute speech, marking his first major public remark in years, included a 12-point plan aimed at addressing long-standing security issues in the resource-rich eastern region.
In his critique, Kabila emphasized what he describes as "arbitrary decisions" by the government, notably after fears arose regarding his potential visit to Goma, a city currently under the control of M23. Following these rumors, the government responded by banning his People's Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD) and seizing his assets, which he said illustrated a decline in democratic governance.
Throughout his speech, Kabila chastised President Félix Tshisekedi's government for undermining the constitution, failing to hold leaders accountable, and mismanaging the economy amidst rising public debt and corruption. He lamented the state of the national army, which he claimed had become overrun by mercenary groups and tribal militias, and targeted the presence of various foreign armed forces, including support for M23 from Rwandan troops, calling for the withdrawal of all foreign military presence from DR Congo.
After nearly two years of exile where he pursued academic interests in South Africa, Kabila's return to the spotlight coincides with increasing calls for peace negotiations between the DR Congo and Rwanda. He remarked on the government's recent openness to discussions but urged for broader peace efforts, particularly those endorsed by the Catholic Church.
While his comments have sparked mixed reactions among observers, many noted the irony of his critiques reflecting those which were often directed at his own administration. Kabila concluded by urging for the restoration of democracy and good governance in DR Congo, signaling that his political aspirations and influence may not be entirely extinguished.
Kabila, who led DR Congo from 2001 to 2019, expressed his concern over the country's unity, stating that his silence was no longer tenable given the ongoing turmoil. His 45-minute speech, marking his first major public remark in years, included a 12-point plan aimed at addressing long-standing security issues in the resource-rich eastern region.
In his critique, Kabila emphasized what he describes as "arbitrary decisions" by the government, notably after fears arose regarding his potential visit to Goma, a city currently under the control of M23. Following these rumors, the government responded by banning his People's Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD) and seizing his assets, which he said illustrated a decline in democratic governance.
Throughout his speech, Kabila chastised President Félix Tshisekedi's government for undermining the constitution, failing to hold leaders accountable, and mismanaging the economy amidst rising public debt and corruption. He lamented the state of the national army, which he claimed had become overrun by mercenary groups and tribal militias, and targeted the presence of various foreign armed forces, including support for M23 from Rwandan troops, calling for the withdrawal of all foreign military presence from DR Congo.
After nearly two years of exile where he pursued academic interests in South Africa, Kabila's return to the spotlight coincides with increasing calls for peace negotiations between the DR Congo and Rwanda. He remarked on the government's recent openness to discussions but urged for broader peace efforts, particularly those endorsed by the Catholic Church.
While his comments have sparked mixed reactions among observers, many noted the irony of his critiques reflecting those which were often directed at his own administration. Kabila concluded by urging for the restoration of democracy and good governance in DR Congo, signaling that his political aspirations and influence may not be entirely extinguished.
