Joseph Kabila, the ex-president of the Democratic Republic of Congo, is raising eyebrows with his recent comments after the Senate stripped him of his immunity from prosecution. In a fiery 45-minute address broadcast live on YouTube, Kabila, 53, accused the government of his successor Félix Tshisekedi of dictatorial practices, revealing a 12-point plan aimed at restoring stability in the nation grappling with the M23 rebel crisis.
Kabila, who ruled from 2001 to 2019, cited the rising tensions and instability linked to the M23 rebels—who have taken control of several eastern towns—as justification for his speech. Despite not being in the DR Congo for the last two years, his message was clear: he believes the country's unity is in jeopardy. His return to the public eye comes as the authorities prepare treason and war crimes charges against him, casting a shadow on the nation's political landscape.
In his address, Kabila sharply criticized governmental actions, including asset seizures and party bans, deeming them as indicative of a decline in democracy. He acknowledged his prior friendship with Tshisekedi but lamented the chaos he claims has ensued since their coalition ended in 2020. Among the problems he highlighted were economic hardships, rising debt levels, and inefficacy in security measures.
As tensions mount, many are left wondering about the implications of Kabila's comeback—both for his future and for the stability of the DR Congo. The potential trial of Kabila could further inflame political divisions in a country where public trust in leadership is waning.
Kabila, who ruled from 2001 to 2019, cited the rising tensions and instability linked to the M23 rebels—who have taken control of several eastern towns—as justification for his speech. Despite not being in the DR Congo for the last two years, his message was clear: he believes the country's unity is in jeopardy. His return to the public eye comes as the authorities prepare treason and war crimes charges against him, casting a shadow on the nation's political landscape.
In his address, Kabila sharply criticized governmental actions, including asset seizures and party bans, deeming them as indicative of a decline in democracy. He acknowledged his prior friendship with Tshisekedi but lamented the chaos he claims has ensued since their coalition ended in 2020. Among the problems he highlighted were economic hardships, rising debt levels, and inefficacy in security measures.
As tensions mount, many are left wondering about the implications of Kabila's comeback—both for his future and for the stability of the DR Congo. The potential trial of Kabila could further inflame political divisions in a country where public trust in leadership is waning.
