Former President Joseph Kabila’s associates are being summoned by a military prosecutor amid rising political tensions over the M23 rebels, who have seized significant territories in eastern Congo. Kabila faces accusations from President Tshisekedi of financing M23, while he seeks to negotiate with opposition leaders as criticism mounts over the government’s response to the conflict.
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s former President Joseph Kabila’s associates are set to be questioned by a military prosecutor amidst escalating political tensions linked to the advance of Rwanda-supported rebels in the east. The specific reasons for the invitations extended to Kabila’s party representatives remain unclear, as stated by Jean Mbuyu, a lawyer and former security advisor to Kabila.
President Felix Tshisekedi has recently accused Kabila of allegedly backing the M23 rebels, who have taken control over key eastern cities since January. In response to this, Kabila is engaging with opposition figures and civil society to discuss the country’s political direction, amid rising criticism of Tshisekedi’s handling of the M23 conflict.
Approximately ten invitations were issued to members of Kabila’s People’s Party for Reconstruction and Democracy for questioning in Kinshasa; however, only three members are anticipated to attend. These include Aubin Minaku, the party’s vice president and ex-National Assembly president, and Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, a former interior minister and presidential candidate. Mbuyu stated, “We’re going to listen because the invitation contains no reason.”
Minaku confirmed that officials would comply with the invitations to eliminate any implications of wrongdoing and firmly denied any connections to the M23 or other armed factions. “We are taking a purely Republican approach, not one of rebellion,” he remarked, emphasizing their allegiance to the nation and denouncing the illicit presence of foreign military forces.
The M23’s latest advances represent a serious escalation of an enduring conflict, exacerbated by the aftermath of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and competition over Congo’s extensive mineral resources. Rwanda has refuted accusations of supplying arms to M23, maintaining that its military actions are solely in defense against threats from the Congolese army and local militias.
In summary, the questioning of former President Joseph Kabila’s party officials reflects the rising political tensions in the Democratic Republic of Congo related to the M23 rebels’ advances. President Tshisekedi’s accusations against Kabila highlight the ongoing strife over political power and control of resources. Efforts by Kabila to engage with opposition figures indicate a shifting political landscape amidst the conflict.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
