The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Joseph Kabila, former president of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has fiercely criticized the current government, labeling it a “dictatorship” after the Senate removed his legal immunity, clearing the way for potential charges of treason and war crimes.
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In a 45-minute YouTube address on Friday, Kabila, speaking from an undisclosed location, said he had broken his silence to defend the unity of the country. This came just a day after authorities moved to prosecute him over alleged links to the Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group, which currently controls several towns in eastern DRC.
Kabila, who led the country from 2001 to 2019, warned that the charges and the political climate could further destabilize DRC, which has been embroiled in conflict with M23 since 2012.
His successor, President Félix Tshisekedi, has not commented on the speech. In it, Kabila outlined a 12-point proposal to address the longstanding insecurity in the eastern, mineral-rich regions.
Wearing a dark suit and a Congolese flag pin, Kabila delivered his “address to the nation” flanked by the national anthem. Though the original YouTube video was later taken down, copies of it continue to circulate.
Once allies, Kabila and Tshisekedi parted ways politically in 2020, ending their parties’ coalition. Kabila has been living abroad for the past two years, reportedly pursuing further studies in South Africa.
He condemned recent government actions, including the banning of his political party, the PPRD, and the seizure of his assets following rumors of his travel to Goma. He called these moves signs of a sharp decline in democratic governance.
Kabila criticized Tshisekedi’s administration for undermining the constitution, failing to uphold justice, and mismanaging the economy, which he claims is now saddled with over $10 billion in debt. He accused the government of using militias and foreign forces in place of the national army, plunging the country into chaos.
He also took aim at Rwanda’s involvement, noting the presence of the FDLR rebel group as a flashpoint. Kabila welcomed the recent decision by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to withdraw regional troops and called for all foreign forces to leave DRC.
Reflecting on his own tenure, Kabila lamented that his accomplishments had been undone, leaving the nation fragile, divided, and among the most corrupt and indebted in the world. He concluded his speech with a call to restore democracy and effective governance.
His remarks drew mixed reactions, with critics pointing out the irony that many of his accusations echoed those once leveled at his own government.
He acknowledged ongoing peace efforts with M23 and urged further dialogue, particularly those led by the Catholic Church, as the DRC and Rwanda work towards a peace agreement signed in Washington last month.
