Joseph Kabila’s Fiery Address: A Call for Unity Amidst Treason Charges

In a groundbreaking address, former President Joseph Kabila criticized the current Democratic Republic of Congo leadership and called for unity as he faces treason charges.

Joseph Kabila, who served as the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo from 2001 to 2019, launched a passionate critique against the government led by his successor, Félix Tshisekedi, labeling it a "dictatorship." The ex-leader delivered his remarks live on YouTube for 45 minutes from an undisclosed location, just a day after the Senate revoked his immunity against prosecution, which could see him charged with treason and war crimes linked to the M23 rebels.

Kabila articulated concerns over the nation’s unity and security, arguing that his silence could no longer persist as the stability of DR Congo was at risk. He warned that a potential trial could exacerbate the ongoing instability linked to the M23 insurgency that has plagued the country since 2012. Despite the gravity of the situation, the Tshisekedi administration had not publicly addressed Kabila's speech.

In a formal address exemplified by the national anthem’s backdrop, Kabila outlined a 12-point plan intended to confront the ongoing insecurity plaguing the mineral-rich eastern region. Dressed professionally, he emphasized the perceived deterioration of democracy and pointed out the government’s "arbitrary decisions," including the ban on his political party, the People's Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD), alongside asset seizures based on unverified rumors of his presence in Goma.

Once an ally of Tshisekedi, Kabila’s political alliance was severed when their coalition officially dissolved in 2020. He has spent the last two years living outside the country as part of his doctoral studies in South Africa. Kabila mentioned his intention to visit Goma—controlled by the M23—for discussions about his party’s future without the fear of arrest, indicating a division between his sympathizers and the government’s stance.

His accusations against Tshisekedi’s administration included claims of constitutional undermining, failure to hold the government accountable, and a justice system manipulated for political agendas. He voiced frustration over the country’s economic situation, pointing to soaring public debt and rampant corruption.

Kabila criticized the government’s approach to national security, arguing that the army had become merely a façade, replaced by militia groups and foreign forces contributing to chaos. Particularly, he highlighted the presence of armed groups, associating their activities with historic Rwandan tensions related to the 1994 genocide, demanding the withdrawal of foreign troops.

Reflecting on his former tenure, Kabila claimed that significant progress made during his presidency had regressed within six years of Tshisekedi’s rule, branding DR Congo as a “failed state.” He concluded with a clarion call for a resurgent democracy and better governance while acknowledging the recent talks with the M23 and advocating for additional peace initiatives backed by the Catholic Church.

Kabila’s speech has received mixed reactions, as some critics noted the contradictions inherent in his remarks that echoed previous criticisms leveled against his administration. The potential for a renewed peace process with Rwanda, following recent agreements, may offer a ray of hope amid the turbulent political landscape.