Former President Joseph Kabila’s associates have been summoned by a military prosecutor as political tensions arise due to the advances of Rwanda-backed M23 rebels in Eastern Congo. Kabila, facing accusations from President Tshisekedi, is engaging with opposition figures to address these challenges. A small number of officials are expected to cooperate with the inquiries while asserting their loyalty to the nation and denying any rebel affiliations.
On Monday, former President Joseph Kabila’s political allies are summoned by a military prosecutor in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This development highlights the rising political tensions linked to the advancing Rwanda-backed rebels in the eastern region. The specific motivation behind these invitations remains unclear, according to Jean Mbuyu, the lawyer for the Kabila officials and former security advisor to Kabila.
President Felix Tshisekedi has accused Kabila of supporting the M23 rebels, who have seized control of eastern Congo’s two largest cities since January. Amidst mounting criticism of Tshisekedi’s handling of this conflict, Kabila has sought dialogue with opposition figures and civil society to discuss the nation’s political future.
The military prosecutor’s office dispatched approximately ten invitations to Kabila’s People’s Party for Reconstruction and Democracy, though only three members are anticipated to respond. Among them are Aubin Minaku, the party’s vice president and former National Assembly president, and Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, a former interior minister and presidential candidate.
Mbuyu noted that they intend to attend the invitations to preclude any potential misunderstandings, declaring that they have no affiliations with the M23 or other armed factions. Minaku reiterated their commitment to national loyalty, stating, “We are taking a purely Republican approach, not one of rebellion.” Further, he condemned the involvement of foreign forces in the conflict.
The recent M23 offensives represent a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, a situation stemming from the aftermath of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and ongoing struggles over Congo’s abundant mineral resources. Rwanda has denied its involvement, asserting that its forces are merely defending themselves from the Congolese army and hostile militias.
The situation surrounding former President Joseph Kabila’s allies illustrates the complex political landscape in the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly in the context of rising tensions due to the M23 rebels’ actions. With the military prosecutor’s inquiries and Kabila’s outreach to opposition parties, the political climate remains fraught with challenges. Accusations of foreign involvement and the struggle for control of the country’s resources add to the urgency of finding a resolution.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
