Joseph Kabila has paused his studies at the University of Johannesburg to address the escalating crisis in the DRC. He emphasized the importance of collective effort for stability and denied claims of emerging from obscurity. Kabila urged engagement with Congolese citizens in mediation efforts and highlighted the significance of peace for national development.
Joseph Kabila, the former President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has temporarily suspended his studies at the University of Johannesburg to address the escalating crisis in his country. During a recent interview with Namibia Broadcasting Corporation, Kabila explained his focus on the deteriorating situation in the DRC, emphasizing the necessity of ensuring national stability before continuing his academic pursuits.
Kabila clarified that he had put his studies on hold a few months prior to focus on the issues in the DRC. He asserted, “We left office as part of the Constitution and have been involved in various activities, including academic pursuits, which we intend to continue…Unfortunately, what is happening as we speak is worsening.”
He refuted claims that he was emerging from the shadows following his presidency. Kabila stated, “I’ve never been in the shadows—I’ve always been in the light… You can multitask, but when dealing with serious issues, multitasking is not an option.”
Kabila addressed the public’s expectations for him to stabilize the DRC, stressing that solutions require collective efforts rather than reliance on a single individual. He stated, “The Congo is a nation of 120 million people… I believe every Congolese citizen has a role to play.”
Highlighting the importance of unity, Kabila noted that both his political party and regional neighbors must contribute to resolving the crisis. He asserted, “Ultimately, good intentions matter the most. What is crucial now is to channel all these good intentions and generate enough positive energy to address the situation.”
Discussing his past involvement in peace agreements, Kabila emphasized that any development within the DRC hinges on peace. He remarked, “Economic prosperity for the people is impossible without peace, and peace cannot exist where there are injustices.”
Reflecting on the history of conflicts in eastern DRC, he pointed to deep-rooted causes such as governance and constitutional violations, suggesting internal instability attracts external influences. Kabila recalled that foreign troop withdrawal in 2001 was crucial for Congolese sovereignty: “We believed that all foreign troops had to leave the DRC for peace to be achieved.”
On mediation efforts in the ongoing crisis, Kabila urged direct engagement with Congolese citizens for effective resolutions, stating, “No mediator can claim to understand the DRC better than its people.” He identified three key elements for successful mediation: engaging the people, ensuring good faith, and establishing lasting guarantees for peace.
Lastly, Kabila mentioned his past coalition with current President Félix Tshisekedi, which ended when Tshisekedi decided to cease the arrangement, indicating that they took note of this change.
Joseph Kabila has suspended his studies to focus on the worsening situation in the DRC, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts for stabilization. His claims of not being in the shadows, along with his advocacy for local engagement in mediation efforts, underscore his belief in the role of every citizen in driving the nation forward. The challenges facing the DRC are complex, with deep-rooted issues that require comprehensive strategies for peace and development.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
