Article Text:
Joseph Kabila, the former president of the Democratic Republic of Congo, has taken a stand against the current administration, branding it a "dictatorship" just a day after the Senate removed his legal immunity, paving the way for potential treason charges. During a 45-minute address broadcast live on YouTube, Kabila spoke passionately about the country's challenges, including allegations linking him to the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels, who have gained control over several towns in eastern DR Congo.
In his speech, Kabila—who governed from 2001 until 2019—expressed his concern over the nation's unity, claiming that the government's recent actions posed a threat to democracy. Analysts predict that any legal proceedings against the former leader could further destabilize a nation already grappling with a prolonged conflict with the M23 group, which has been ongoing since 2012.
Kabila's address came after a turbulent month for him, marked by the government's crackdown on his People's Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD) and asset seizures following rumors of his presence in the eastern city of Goma. He described these actions as indicative of the "spectacular decline of democracy" in the country.
Speaking in front of a national flag, Kabila criticized the government for its arbitrary decisions and criticized the justice system for being "exploited for political ends." He accused the Tshisekedi administration of corruption, soaring public debt exceeding $10 billion, and a deteriorating security situation exacerbated by the alleged reliance on militia groups.
Notably, Kabila called for the withdrawal of foreign troops, specifically referencing the presence of Rwandan forces assisting the M23 rebels, and welcomed a recent commitment from the Southern African Development Community to withdraw its troops from the region.
Reflecting on his own time in office, Kabila lamented that after his 18-year tenure, the country had regressed, now resembling a "failed, divided state" plagued by corruption and debt. He underscored the need for renewed democracy and governance, stating, "The dictatorship must end, and democracy, as well as good economic and social governance, must be restored."
While Kabila underscored recent talks between the government and M23 as a hopeful sign for peace, he urged that broader peace initiatives backed by the Catholic Church should be pursued. The speech has drawn varied reactions, with some observers noting the irony in Kabila's criticisms reflecting those directed at his own presidency.
As discussions for peace progress between DR Congo and Rwanda—who both deny links to the M23—the nation continues to grapple with the humanitarian fallout of the ongoing conflict, which has displaced hundreds of thousands in recent months.
Joseph Kabila, the former president of the Democratic Republic of Congo, has taken a stand against the current administration, branding it a "dictatorship" just a day after the Senate removed his legal immunity, paving the way for potential treason charges. During a 45-minute address broadcast live on YouTube, Kabila spoke passionately about the country's challenges, including allegations linking him to the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels, who have gained control over several towns in eastern DR Congo.
In his speech, Kabila—who governed from 2001 until 2019—expressed his concern over the nation's unity, claiming that the government's recent actions posed a threat to democracy. Analysts predict that any legal proceedings against the former leader could further destabilize a nation already grappling with a prolonged conflict with the M23 group, which has been ongoing since 2012.
Kabila's address came after a turbulent month for him, marked by the government's crackdown on his People's Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD) and asset seizures following rumors of his presence in the eastern city of Goma. He described these actions as indicative of the "spectacular decline of democracy" in the country.
Speaking in front of a national flag, Kabila criticized the government for its arbitrary decisions and criticized the justice system for being "exploited for political ends." He accused the Tshisekedi administration of corruption, soaring public debt exceeding $10 billion, and a deteriorating security situation exacerbated by the alleged reliance on militia groups.
Notably, Kabila called for the withdrawal of foreign troops, specifically referencing the presence of Rwandan forces assisting the M23 rebels, and welcomed a recent commitment from the Southern African Development Community to withdraw its troops from the region.
Reflecting on his own time in office, Kabila lamented that after his 18-year tenure, the country had regressed, now resembling a "failed, divided state" plagued by corruption and debt. He underscored the need for renewed democracy and governance, stating, "The dictatorship must end, and democracy, as well as good economic and social governance, must be restored."
While Kabila underscored recent talks between the government and M23 as a hopeful sign for peace, he urged that broader peace initiatives backed by the Catholic Church should be pursued. The speech has drawn varied reactions, with some observers noting the irony in Kabila's criticisms reflecting those directed at his own presidency.
As discussions for peace progress between DR Congo and Rwanda—who both deny links to the M23—the nation continues to grapple with the humanitarian fallout of the ongoing conflict, which has displaced hundreds of thousands in recent months.
