Former Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Joseph Kabila has announced the creation of a new political movement aimed at what he calls saving the country from dictatorship.
The move follows a two-day meeting held in Nairobi, Kenya, with other Congolese opposition figures. In a statement issued after the talks, participants pledged to unite citizens against what they described as growing authoritarianism under President Félix Tshisekedi.
Kabila, who led the DRC for 18 years before stepping down in 2019, has in recent months intensified his criticism of the current administration. His renewed political activity comes amid mounting tensions and divisions within the Congolese opposition.
He was recently sentenced to death in absentia by a court in Kinshasa on charges of war crimes and treason. He has rejected the ruling as politically motivated, saying the case was intended to silence dissent. Kabila did not appear in court to defend himself, arguing that the proceedings lacked legitimacy.
Government Spokesperson Patrick Muyaya dismissed the Nairobi meeting, calling it a “non-event” and accusing its organisers of being fugitives and convicts attempting to destabilise the country.
Kabila’s re-emergence is likely to stir fresh debate within the DRC’s political landscape, as opposition parties struggle to present a united front against Tshisekedi’s government ahead of future elections.
–ChannelAfrica/Reuters–
