Joseph Kabila, the former president of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), took to YouTube on Friday to express his grievances against the government of his successor, Félix Tshisekedi, after the Senate lifted his immunity from prosecution, a move paving the way for treason and war crimes charges. In a passionate 45-minute speech from an undisclosed location, Kabila labeled the current administration as a "dictatorship," emphasizing the urgency of safeguarding national unity in a country rife with instability.
Kabila's tenure from 2001 to 2019 was marred by allegations of corruption and political strife. Since leaving office, he has lived outside the DRC, citing the need to pursue a doctorate in South Africa. Nevertheless, his remarks signal a bold return to the political stage as he prepares to visit Goma, a city under the control of the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels, where he claims he faces no immediate threat of arrest.
Reflecting on recent government actions, Kabila condemned the "arbitrary decisions" that led to his party, the People's Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD), being banned and his assets seized. He further criticized the legislative body for its failure in holding the president accountable, while simultaneously highlighting ongoing economic woes, which include an alarming public debt exceeding $10 billion.
Kabila's speech also denounced the government's approach to security, accusing it of relying on mercenary groups and tribal militias rather than a cohesive national army. He pointed out that the DRC is now threatened by the growing presence of various armed factions, including the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a group that has caused considerable strife in the eastern regions.
Despite his critiques, reactions to Kabila's address have been mixed. Many observers noted the irony in him calling for democratic reforms when his administration had faced similar allegations during his rule. In response to the ongoing conflicts and the relationships with foreign powers, Kabila called for the withdrawal of all non-indigenous troops from the DRC.
In a bid for constructive change, Kabila urged the government to prioritize peace negotiations regarding the ongoing turmoil. Notably, recent developments indicate that the DRC and Rwanda are working toward a peace agreement to address the escalating violence that has displaced thousands of civilians.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, Kabila's return to public discourse raises questions about the future of governance and stability in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
