Former President Kabila’s party officials are summoned by a military prosecutor amid increasing tensions regarding Rwandan-backed rebels in Eastern Congo. Accusations have arisen against Kabila for supporting the M23 rebels, leading to heightened political dynamics and discussions about the country’s future that include Kabila reaching out to opposition groups.
The military prosecutor in the Democratic Republic of Congo has invited officials from the party of former President Joseph Kabila to appear for questioning amid rising political tensions related to advances by Rwandan-backed rebels in the eastern region. The details surrounding the invitations remain unclear, according to Jean Mbuyu, a lawyer for the invited officials and Kabila’s former security advisor.
President Felix Tshisekedi has accused Kabila of supporting the M23 rebels, who have gained control over key cities in East Congo since January, escalating an already volatile situation. In response, Kabila is engaging with opposition leaders and civil society, amid growing criticism of Tshisekedi’s handling of the military offensive by M23.
The military prosecutor’s office has sent around ten invitations to Kabila’s People’s Party for Reconstruction and Democracy, although only three officials are expected to attend the questioning in Kinshasa. This includes Aubin Minaku, the party’s vice president and former president of the National Assembly, and Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, a former interior minister and presidential candidate.
Minaku expressed that the party will comply with the invitations to prevent any suspicions and asserted that they do not have connections to M23 or other armed groups. Emphasizing a commitment to the nation, he said, “We are taking a purely Republican approach, not one of rebellion” and denounced any foreign forces’ unlawful presence in the country.
The recent resurgence of M23 marks a significant escalation in a long-running conflict that traces back to the 1994 Rwandan genocide and the ongoing contest over Congo’s abundant mineral resources. Rwanda has denied allegations of supplying arms or troops to M23, claiming its forces are acting defensively against threats from the Congolese military and anti-Kigali militias.
In summary, the political landscape in the Democratic Republic of Congo is increasingly strained as military prosecutors question allies of former President Kabila amid accusations of rebel support. President Tshisekedi’s allegations against Kabila exacerbate tensions, prompting Kabila to seek dialogue with opposition figures. The developments reflect a complex interplay of regional conflict, historical grievances, and struggles for power and resources.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
