Joseph Kabila suspended his studies at the University of Johannesburg to focus on the escalating crises in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In an interview, he emphasized the urgency of addressing these issues collectively, shared insights on the necessity of understanding local conditions for effective mediation, and discussed his prior governance experience and relationships post-presidency.
Joseph Kabila, the former President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, has announced he has suspended his studies at the University of Johannesburg. This decision was made to concentrate on the deteriorating situation in his country. During an interview with Namibia Broadcasting Corporation, Kabila expressed the urgency of addressing the crisis back home while attending the burial of Namibia’s founding President, Sam Nujoma.
Kabila revealed that despite his academic pursuits, he felt compelled to prioritize the escalating issues in the DRC. He stated, “If the situation back home continues to deteriorate, then we must ensure that the DRC does not go down the drain.” His commitment to focusing solely on national matters highlights his dedication to his country’s stability.
Addressing claims that he has been in the shadows, Kabila asserted, “Those reports are wrong. I’ve never been in the shadows—I’ve always been in the light.” He emphasized his preference for focusing on serious issues rather than multitasking. As the current crises have demanded his attention, he has shifted his priorities back to his homeland.
Kabila articulated that resolving the country’s challenges requires collective effort, stating, “The Congo is a nation of 120 million people” with many stakeholders involved in the stability process. He stressed the importance of every Congolese participating in the solution and acknowledged the need for regional collaboration to address the crisis effectively.
Reflecting on past peace initiatives, Kabila underscored the long-standing commitment to resolving conflicts within the DRC, originating with agreements like the Lusaka Agreement. He noted that previous efforts managed to bring peace, indicating his belief that development cannot occur without stability: “Economic prosperity for the people is impossible without peace.”
Kabila identified governance issues, injustices, and constitutional violations as root causes of the ongoing conflicts. He linked internal instability to increased external involvement, suggesting that stability should be managed from within the DRC. He also discussed past decisions regarding foreign troop withdrawals, highlighting that the sovereignty of the nation must be maintained.
On current mediation efforts, including those led by Kenyan President William Ruto, Kabila stressed the necessity of engaging directly with the Congolese people. He advised that effective mediation must include a deep understanding of local issues alongside goodwill and assurances for lasting peace. Kabila refrained from commenting on ongoing initiatives until their effectiveness could be evaluated.
Lastly, Kabila shared insights about his relationship with current DRC President Félix Tshisekedi, mentioning that their initial coalition government was dissolved unilaterally by Tshisekedi, indicating a shift in their political alliance. This ongoing evolution in leadership dynamics highlights the complexities of governance in the DRC.
In summary, Joseph Kabila’s decision to suspend his studies emphasizes his commitment to addressing the deteriorating situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo. His insistence on collective action and engagement with the Congolese population underlines the complexity of resolving the crises facing the nation. Kabila’s reflections on past peace efforts and the need for sovereign decision-making further emphasize the challenging landscape of governance and stability in the DRC.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
