Joseph Kabila, former President of Congo, is holding talks with opposition leaders amid a rebellion by M23 rebels in the east. His outreach challenges President Felix Tshisekedi, who has been criticized for his response to the crisis. Kabila has made accusations against Tshisekedi’s governance while expressing intentions for a political transition, but specifics are yet to materialize.
Congo’s former President Joseph Kabila is engaging with opposition leaders to discuss the nation’s political future amidst ongoing territorial gains by Rwanda-backed M23 rebels in the eastern region. This outreach represents a challenge for current President Felix Tshisekedi, who has faced mounting scrutiny regarding his handling of the crisis. Kabila and Tshisekedi originally formed a power-sharing coalition post-2018 elections, but their rapport deteriorated as Tshisekedi began marginalizing Kabila’s influence while alleging the latter obstructed needed reforms.
Tensions escalated when Tshisekedi accused Kabila of supporting the M23 insurgency, which has recently advanced toward Bukavu, the second-largest city in eastern Congo. Kabila responded privately and subsequently through an op-ed, criticizing Tshisekedi’s governance actions, including violations of the constitution and human rights abuses, asserting that the country edges closer to civil war. According to sources who have engaged with Kabila, he indicated that the “Tshisekedi regime is soon over.”
Although discussions have been held about a potential political transition, specifics remain unclear. Kabila’s meetings have been discreet, yet he openly met with opposition figures like Moise Katumbi and Claudel Lubaya in December. Katumbi’s spokesperson highlighted previous criticisms of Tshisekedi when asked about Kabila’s outreach. Lubaya expressed concerns about the uncertain political situation, stating Tshisekedi appears more interested in maintaining power than resolving the crisis.
In a recent interview, Kabila advocated for an inclusive peace process, albeit without specifying his agenda. Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, a member of Kabila’s party, commented that excluding Tshisekedi from future discussions could be beneficial, although constitutional respect is crucial. Tshisekedi recently announced an intention to form a unity government, which remains unfulfilled.
The current government appears apprehensive about Kabila’s activities, reportedly blocking one of his boats on suspicion of transporting weapons to insurgent factions. Kabila’s former chief of staff, Nehemie Mwilanya Wilondja, disputed the allegations, insisting that no solid evidence supports such claims. Both the Congo and international entities hold Rwanda accountable for assisting M23, a claim Rwanda refutes, citing threats from ethnic militias in the region. Mwilanya compared the current crisis to historical tensions, reflecting on Kabila’s earlier leadership challenges amid similar external pressures.
The ongoing talks by Joseph Kabila with opposition groups signal significant political maneuvering in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, especially as M23 rebels advance. Kabila’s criticisms of President Tshisekedi, alongside the uncertainty about the governance structure, highlight a potentially destabilizing scenario for Congo. As the situation evolves, maintaining constitutional integrity and fostering an inclusive political dialogue will be crucial in addressing the nation’s challenges.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
