Former Congolese President Kabila Critiques Government After Immunity Lifted

In a recent address, former DR Congo president Joseph Kabila expressed his disdain for President Félix Tshisekedi's government following the lifting of his immunity related to treason charges. Kabila accused the administration of undermining democracy and mismanaging the country amid ongoing conflict with the M23 rebels.

Joseph Kabila, the former president of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has publicly criticized the government led by his successor, Félix Tshisekedi, characterizing it as a "dictatorship." This outburst comes a day after the Senate revoked Kabila's immunity, paving the way for treason and war crimes charges linked to his alleged connection with the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels, who are actively engaged in conflict in eastern Congo.

Kabila, who governed from 2001 to 2019, chose a YouTube live broadcast to deliver his remarks from an undisclosed location, openly claiming that his country's unity is under severe threat. While some analysts warn that prosecuting Kabila could further destabilize an already vulnerable nation, others view his speech as a significant political maneuver.

For almost six years, Kabila had refrained from addressing the public directly, only resurfacing after facing potential prosecution. In the 45-minute address, he alleged that the government’s actions demonstrate a decline in democratic practices, particularly highlighting arbitrary decisions made against his political party, the People's Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD).

He pointed to the recent banning of the PPRD and the seizure of his assets in response to unverified allegations that he intended to travel to Goma, a city currently controlled by M23 rebel forces. The former president assured his supporters that he plans to visit Goma soon, where he predicts he would not face arrest.

Kabila didn't shy away from criticizing President Tshisekedi's administration for failing to uphold constitutional integrity and for allegedly manipulating the judiciary for political purposes. He also condemned fiscal mismanagement, stating that public debt has spiraled to over $10 billion, while corruption continues to plague the governance landscape.

Amidst the turmoil, Kabila remarked that the national army has been supplanted by "mercenary bands" and various armed factions, leading to widespread chaos—a situation he believes threatens the very fabric of Congolese society. He urged for the removal of foreign military presence and welcomed recent efforts by the Southern African Development Community to withdraw troops sent for combat support against the M23.

Reflecting upon his 18-year tenure, Kabila asserted that his achievements have been obliterated, leaving the nation back at a point of disintegration and severe poverty. The contradictory nature of his grievances has not gone unnoticed; many commentators have pointed out that they mirror the same accusations once aimed at his own rule.

Towards the conclusion of his address, Kabila called for the restoration of democracy and good governance in the DRC, stressing the need to continue peace negotiations, particularly with the M23, emphasizing the essential role of initiatives proposed by the Catholic Church.

As the ongoing conflict in the DRC persists, a recent preliminary agreement between Rwanda and the DRC raises hopes for potential peace—an agreement that must be meticulously navigated amid the longstanding complexities of the region’s geopolitics and internal struggles.