Former President Joseph Kabila has initiated discussions with opposition leaders about Congo’s political future as M23 rebels advance. This outreach poses a significant challenge to President Felix Tshisekedi, who has faced mounting criticism regarding his handling of the situation. Kabila’s remarks suggest a potential political transition, although specifics remain unclear.
Congo’s former President Joseph Kabila has commenced discussions with opposition leaders concerning the political landscape of the country amidst escalating territorial seizures by Rwanda-backed rebels in the east. This outreach poses a significant threat to the current President, Felix Tshisekedi, who has been criticized for his handling of the advancing M23 rebellion, according to multiple sources familiar with these negotiations.
The discussions aim to address the deteriorating political situation, reflecting a deteriorated relationship between Kabila and Tshisekedi. Originally, both leaders had engaged in a power-sharing arrangement post the contentious 2018 election, but Tshisekedi has since sought to diminish Kabila’s influence, accusing him of thwarting reforms. The tension culminated as Kabila was implicated in supporting M23 during Tshisekedi’s speech at the Munich Security Conference last month.
Kabila refrained from publicly addressing these allegations until a recent op-ed published in a South African newspaper. There, he accused Tshisekedi of constitutional violations, human rights abuses, and pushing Congo towards civil war. According to insiders, Kabila’s private remarks indicate a belief that “the Tshisekedi regime is soon over.”
The potential for political transition has been discussed among Kabila and his associates; however, the specifics remain uncertain. These conversations have been predominantly private, although Kabila met openly with opposition figures Moise Katumbi and Claudel Lubaya in December in Addis Ababa. On inquiries regarding Kabila’s outreach, Katumbi’s spokesperson alluded to previous critiques of Tshisekedi, while Lubaya expressed concern over Tshisekedi’s focus on power retention rather than effective solutions, stating, “The sky is grey and the outcome uncertain for the country.”
In an interview with the Namibia Broadcasting Corporation, Kabila called for an inclusive peace process, though his objectives remained ambiguous. He remarked, “Only God knows. Our intentions are to be very much available to serve our country, serve our people,” after attending a funeral and a gathering of African leaders.
Kabila’s political party leaders, including Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, acknowledged the possibility of excluding Tshisekedi from future discussions, yet emphasized the need for constitutional adherence. Meanwhile, Tshisekedi has proposed a unity government plan, which remains unexecuted, prompting concerns within his administration regarding Kabila’s activities, including the blocking of a Kabila-owned vessel suspected of transporting arms.
Accusations have circulated regarding Rwanda’s support for the M23, which Rwanda contests, asserting their actions are defensive in nature against Hutu-led militias. Mwilanya, a former chief of staff for Kabila, remarked on the current political turmoil’s resemblance to the conditions of 2001, when Kabila ascended to the presidency amid similar regional threats. He questioned the accountability for the nation’s plight, asking, “Given the state the country is in, who should be blamed? Or better, who should be saved? Congo or its rulers?”
In summary, former President Joseph Kabila is actively engaging with opposition and civil society members regarding Congo’s political future in the face of rebellion. This outreach heightens the challenges for President Felix Tshisekedi, who faces criticism for his governance against the backdrop of rising violence. Amidst discussions of political transition, the situation remains fluid and uncertain as various elements within the political landscape contend for influence and power.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
