In a rare public address, Kabila outlines criticisms of his successor's government and highlights a 12-point plan to address the nation's ongoing turmoil.
**Ex-Democratic Republic of Congo President Kabila Speaks Out After Treason Charges**
**Ex-Democratic Republic of Congo President Kabila Speaks Out After Treason Charges**
Joseph Kabila, former leader of DR Congo, denounces government as "dictatorship" following immunity lift and potential treason charges.
In a striking turn of events, Joseph Kabila, the former president of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has publicly rebuked the current administration led by President Félix Tshisekedi, labeling it a "dictatorship." His remarks come shortly after the Senate announced the revocation of his immunity from prosecution, paving the way for potential treason and war crime charges tied to allegations of his connections with the Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group, which has gained significant territory in eastern DRC.
During a 45-minute address streamed live on YouTube, Kabila expressed urgency in addressing what he perceives as a threat to national unity as unrest escalates in the country. He took to social media from an undisclosed location and articulated a 12-point plan he believes could alleviate decades of instability in the resource-rich eastern region.
Once a prominent figure in Congolese politics, Kabila's relationship with Tshisekedi has soured since their coalition government dissolved in 2020. His recent absence from the public eye for over six years has led to speculation about his political future, particularly amid ongoing violence and rebellion that has plagued the DRC since 2012.
Kabila criticized the government's recent actions, such as banning his party, the People's Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD), and seizing his assets. He accused the state of exhibiting "arbitrary decisions" and erosion of democratic principles. In his speech, he also condemned the handling of economic challenges, rising corruption, and failure to maintain security, asserting that the DRC's army has been supplanted by mercenary groups and local militias, leading to chaos.
Addressing foreign influence, he called for the withdrawal of all foreign troops, including Rwandan forces, and supported a recent decision by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to reduce their military presence in the DRC.
Kabila’s address has produced mixed reactions, with some observers noting a degree of irony in his criticisms reflecting issues his own government faced during his tenure. The former president concluded his speech demanding a return to democracy and responsible governance while emphasizing the need for dialogue to reach a resolution with the M23 group. With a preliminary agreement signed recently between DRC and Rwanda towards peace negotiations, Kabila's vocal return to the political scene may further influence the trajectory of these discussions.
During a 45-minute address streamed live on YouTube, Kabila expressed urgency in addressing what he perceives as a threat to national unity as unrest escalates in the country. He took to social media from an undisclosed location and articulated a 12-point plan he believes could alleviate decades of instability in the resource-rich eastern region.
Once a prominent figure in Congolese politics, Kabila's relationship with Tshisekedi has soured since their coalition government dissolved in 2020. His recent absence from the public eye for over six years has led to speculation about his political future, particularly amid ongoing violence and rebellion that has plagued the DRC since 2012.
Kabila criticized the government's recent actions, such as banning his party, the People's Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD), and seizing his assets. He accused the state of exhibiting "arbitrary decisions" and erosion of democratic principles. In his speech, he also condemned the handling of economic challenges, rising corruption, and failure to maintain security, asserting that the DRC's army has been supplanted by mercenary groups and local militias, leading to chaos.
Addressing foreign influence, he called for the withdrawal of all foreign troops, including Rwandan forces, and supported a recent decision by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to reduce their military presence in the DRC.
Kabila’s address has produced mixed reactions, with some observers noting a degree of irony in his criticisms reflecting issues his own government faced during his tenure. The former president concluded his speech demanding a return to democracy and responsible governance while emphasizing the need for dialogue to reach a resolution with the M23 group. With a preliminary agreement signed recently between DRC and Rwanda towards peace negotiations, Kabila's vocal return to the political scene may further influence the trajectory of these discussions.
