Former President Joseph Kabila has engaged with opposition leaders about Congo’s political future amidst rising tensions from M23 rebels. The relationship between Kabila and President Tshisekedi has soured with accusations and public criticisms. Kabila’s endeavors, alongside the uncertain political landscape, highlight significant challenges for Tshisekedi’s leadership.
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, former President Joseph Kabila has commenced discussions with opposition figures regarding the nation’s political future amidst tensions from Rwanda-backed rebel movements. These negotiations could pose an additional challenge to current President Felix Tshisekedi, who is facing criticism for his handling of the M23 rebels’ advancements in eastern Congo.
Initially, Kabila and Tshisekedi had established a power-sharing agreement after the controversial 2018 election. However, Tshisekedi’s efforts to reduce Kabila’s power and his accusations against Kabila of inciting the insurgency have strained their relationship. During the Munich Security Conference, Tshisekedi asserted that Kabila had supported the M23 movement, heightened accusations that prompted Kabila to publicly contest Tshisekedi’s allegations in a February 23 op-ed, condemning his leadership and human rights violations.
Sources close to Kabila indicate that he is uncertain about his political aspirations, suggesting that “the Tshisekedi regime is soon over.” While the discussions surrounding a political transition are ongoing, specific strategies and timelines remain unclear. Kabila openly met with opposition leaders Moise Katumbi and Claudel Lubaya in December, although subsequent talks have been kept confidential.
In response to inquiries about his dialogue with opposition leaders, Lubaya criticized Tshisekedi for his focus on maintaining power rather than pursuing solutions, illustrating the prevailing uncertainty in the nation’s political climate. Kabila, in a recent interview, expressed a desire for an inclusive peace process but refrained from elaborating on specific ambitions.
Despite Tshisekedi’s announcement on February 22 to form a unity government, implementation remains pending. Tshisekedi’s administration views Kabila with skepticism; they blocked his vessel on Lake Tanganyika due to suspicions of arms trafficking intended for rebel factions. Meanwhile, Kabila’s former chief of staff, Nehemie Mwilanya Wilondja, challenged the lack of evidence regarding these claims.
Allegations of Rwandan support for the M23 rebels have arisen, although Rwanda denies involvement, asserting self-defense against threats from Hutu-led militias. Mwilanya remarked on the historical parallels between the current crisis and Kabila’s ascent to power in 2001, suggesting that he had more adeptly managed such challenges compared to Tshisekedi. He posed a critical question regarding accountability in the country’s governance, asking, “who should be saved? Congo or its rulers?
The ongoing dialogue initiated by Joseph Kabila with opposition parties presents a potential upheaval for President Felix Tshisekedi amid rising rebel activity in the east. Tensions between the two leaders have escalated, particularly with accusations of a sponsored insurgency. Kabila’s outreach reflects serious concerns over the Congo’s governance and stability, as evident from public skepticism regarding Tshisekedi’s planned unity government. This situation continues to evolve, as dissent and political negotiations intertwine within Congo’s complex landscape.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
