This article discusses former President Joseph Kabila’s engagement with opposition politicians amidst the growing threat of M23 rebels, highlighting the deteriorating relationship between Kabila and current President Tshisekedi, concerns over governance, and the implications for Congo’s political future.
Former President Joseph Kabila of Congo is engaging in discussions with opposition politicians concerning the nation’s political future as M23 rebels gain ground in the east. This outreach, also involving civil society members, poses a significant challenge to current President Felix Tshisekedi, who has come under fire for his handling of the rebel advancement.
Kabila and Tshisekedi previously had a complicated power-sharing arrangement stemming from the disputed 2018 elections, but their relationship has deteriorated. Accusations arose when Tshisekedi claimed at a conference that Kabila supported the M23 insurgency as they approached Bukavu, Congo’s second-largest city.
In response to Tshisekedi’s accusations, Kabila remained silent until he published an opinion piece in a South African newspaper on February 23, asserting that Tshisekedi violated the constitution and escalated tensions to the brink of civil war. Kabila has conveyed privately that the current regime under Tshisekedi is nearing its end, although no specific transition plans have been revealed.
While discussions between Kabila and his allies about political transitions are ongoing, their nature remains confidential. Kabila previously met openly with opposition figures Moise Katumbi and Claudel Lubaya in December. When contacted for comment on Kabila’s outreach, Katumbi’s spokesperson referred to prior criticisms of Tshisekedi.
Lubaya expressed concerns over the uncertain future for Congo, indicating that Tshisekedi appears more focused on maintaining power than on resolving the country’s issues. Kabila has recently called for an inclusive peace process, although details remain ambiguous.
Kabila’s political party member Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary noted that excluding Tshisekedi from future talks could be advantageous, yet underscored the necessity to uphold constitutional respects. Following Kabila’s outreach, Tshisekedi announced intentions to establish a unity government on February 22; however, this plan remains unimplemented.
Additionally, Kabila’s government has grown apprehensive towards him, indicated by recent actions such as blocking a Kabila-owned vessel suspected of carrying weapons for M23-affiliated groups. Mwilanya, Kabila’s former chief of staff, stated that no evidence supports these claims.
The backdrop of the current crisis evokes memories of 2001, when Kabila ascended to power following his father’s assassination amid foreign influences from Rwanda, Uganda, and Burundi pressing on Congo. Mwilanya remarked that Kabila’s prior management of crises far surpassed Tshisekedi’s current leadership. He questioned the accountability of leaders versus the salvation of the country itself, stating, “Given the state the country is in, who should be blamed? Or better, who should be saved? Congo or its rulers?”
Joseph Kabila’s new outreach efforts toward opposition leaders signify a potential shift in Congo’s political landscape amid escalating tensions with M23 rebels. Tshisekedi’s government faces growing scrutiny regarding its crisis management and the efficacy of proposed political reforms. As Kabila navigates these sensitive discussions, the future of Congo remains uncertain, with implications for both leadership and national stability.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
