KINSHASA, DRC — In a sweeping and unprecedented public address, former Democratic Republic of Congo President Joseph Kabila has launched a scathing critique of the current government, accusing it of dismantling the stability he claims to have left behind in 2019 and steering the nation toward authoritarianism, corruption, and war.
The speech, delivered in Lingala and French and summarized by political analyst Rodriguez Katsuva, marks Kabila’s most direct challenge to his successor, President Félix Tshisekedi, since leaving office. It signals a dramatic escalation in the political tensions gripping Africa’s second-largest country.
A Contrast of Eras
Kabila, who ruled the DRC from 2001 to 2019, painted a stark contrast between his departure and the present day. He asserted that at the end of his mandate, he left behind a “reunified territory, functioning institutions, a less indebted economy, a strengthened army, and organized elections.”
According to Kabila, the situation has “deteriorated sharply” since 2019. He accuses the current administration of failing to respect the Constitution, public freedoms, and democratic rules, while promoting tribalism, nepotism, and corruption for the benefit of a “small group.”
Security and Governance Under Fire
The former president focused heavily on the security crisis in eastern DRC, where the M23 rebel group and other armed factions continue to displace millions. Kabila denounced the “continuation of the war,” the “ineffectiveness of the military response,” and what he described as the government’s “use or presumed support for armed groups.”
He also criticized the refusal to hold an inclusive national dialogue, arguing that regional, religious, and international peace initiatives have not been “seriously followed up.”
On governance, Kabila cited arbitrary arrests, human rights violations, rising public debt, and mining agreements he deems “unfavorable to the country.”
Opposition to Constitutional Amendments
A central pillar of Kabila’s address was his opposition to any project to amend the Constitution—a move he presents as an attempt to extend the current power beyond its legal limits. The proposal has been a flashpoint in Congolese politics, with critics warning it could undermine the 2018 power-sharing agreement that led to Tshisekedi’s presidency.
A 12-Point Program for National Rescue
Kabila did not merely criticize; he also proposed a 12-point program for what he calls “national rescue.” The plan includes:
- Putting an end to “tyranny”
- Stopping the war and disarming armed groups
- Restoring state authority, democracy, and freedoms
- Reconciling the Congolese people
- Improving governance and relaunching development
- Dialoguing with neighboring countries and restoring the DRC’s international credibility
- Obtaining the withdrawal of foreign forces and ending the use of mercenaries
“The Country Is in Danger”
The central message of Kabila’s speech was unmistakable: the DRC is in peril, and the current government, in his view, cannot resolve the crisis. He called on the population to mobilize to defend the Republic and announced that he will soon present “more precise action proposals.”
Reactions and Analysis
Political analysts in Kinshasa suggest Kabila’s speech is a calculated move to reassert his influence ahead of anticipated political negotiations or potential protests. “This is not just a critique; it’s a manifesto,” said Dr. Alphonse Mukendi, a political scientist at the University of Kinshasa. “Kabila is positioning himself as the alternative, even if he remains legally barred from running again.”
The government has not yet issued a formal response, but sources within the ruling party, the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS), dismissed the speech as “a desperate attempt to rewrite history.”
International Implications
The United States and European Union have repeatedly urged the DRC to uphold democratic norms and protect human rights. Kabila’s accusations of constitutional violations and foreign mercenary use could complicate ongoing diplomatic efforts to stabilize the Great Lakes region.
A State Department spokesperson, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: “We are monitoring the situation closely. We urge all parties to engage in peaceful, democratic dialogue.”
What’s Next?
Kabila’s promise of “more precise action proposals” has left the nation on edge. Whether his words translate into a political movement or mass protests remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Joseph Kabila is back on the political stage, and he is not going quietly.
