Former President Joseph Kabila has started discussions with opposition leaders about Congo’s political future as M23 rebels, allegedly supported by Rwanda, gain ground. Kabila’s engagement suggests dissatisfaction with current President Felix Tshisekedi, who faces criticism for his handling of the crisis. The potential for a political transition remains vague, but Kabila’s outreach could profoundly impact the country’s stability.
Joseph Kabila, the former President of Congo, has commenced discussions with opposition politicians regarding the nation’s political future amidst a territorial seizure by rebels, reportedly backed by Rwanda. These talks, involving civil society representatives, pose a significant challenge to current President Felix Tshisekedi, who has been criticized for his response to the M23 rebel threat and is accused of undermining Kabila’s authority.
Kabila and Tshisekedi previously had a complex power-sharing arrangement after the contentious 2018 election. However, tensions escalated when Tshisekedi accused Kabila of supporting the ongoing insurgency as M23 rebels advanced towards Bukavu. Kabila refrained from public comments on the conflict until publishing an op-ed criticizing Tshisekedi for constitutional violations and human rights abuses, suggesting that he is leading the nation toward civil war.
In private discussions, some sources indicate that Kabila hinted at a potential political transition. Nonetheless, specific plans for such a transition remain unclear. Although Kabila has engaged in private talks, he met publicly with opposition leaders Moise Katumbi and Claudel Lubaya in December, suggesting his openness to collaboration.
Responding to inquiries about Kabila’s outreach, Katumbi’s spokesperson highlighted previously expressed critiques of Tshisekedi. Lubaya articulated concerns regarding the uncertain political situation, stating that Tshisekedi appears more focused on maintaining power than addressing national issues. Kabila called for a comprehensive peace process during an interview, though he remained ambiguous about his objectives.
Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, a leader within Kabila’s party, expressed support for excluding Tshisekedi from future political discussions, underscoring the need to uphold constitutional integrity. Meanwhile, Tshisekedi has proposed forming a unity government; however, the implementation of this initiative has yet to materialize. The current government appears apprehensive about Kabila’s influence, reportedly blocking one of his boats due to concerns about potential weapon transport to supportive factions.
Allegations against Kabila have been contested by his former chief of staff, who noted the absence of evidence for government claims regarding Kabila’s supposed involvement in arms transport. The unrest in Congo has been connected to external forces from Rwanda, Uganda, and Burundi, as well as the ongoing strife that Kabila faced at the beginning of his presidency in 2001.
Mwilanya suggested that Kabila, at the age of 29 during his inauguration, managed a similar crisis more efficiently than Tshisekedi is managing the current turmoil. He posed a critical question about accountability, asking, “Given the state the country is in, who should be blamed? Or better, who should be saved? Congo or its rulers?”
The current political discourse in Congo, initiated by former President Joseph Kabila, highlights the challenges faced by President Felix Tshisekedi amid escalating violence from M23 rebels. Kabila’s outreach to opposition figures and calls for political transition underscore significant unrest and dissatisfaction with the Tshisekedi administration. As discussions about a potential unity government unfold, the implications of Kabila’s involvement could alter the political landscape of Congo profoundly.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
