DRC: Joseph Kabila and Moise Katumbi issue statement criticising Félix Tshisekedi
3 min readIn a significant political development in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), former President Joseph Kabila and opposition leader Moise Katumbi have formed an alliance, joining forces to criticize the administration of current President Félix Tshisekedi. The two influential politicians, once rivals, appear to be putting aside their differences in response to shared concerns about the country’s political and security situation.
According to sources close to both Kabila and Katumbi, the two leaders held a meeting in Ethiopia just before Christmas, further solidifying their collaboration. This marked a rare meeting between the two figures who have historically held opposing political positions in the DRC. Following their discussions, they released a joint statement that outlined their concerns and highlighted their unified objectives for the country’s future.
In their statement, Kabila and Katumbi expressed alarm over the deteriorating security situation in the DRC, particularly in the eastern provinces, which have been plagued by violence from rebel groups. The M23, a militia group with ties to Rwanda, has captured significant portions of land in the region, escalating tensions and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The two leaders condemned what they referred to as the “presence of illegal armed forces” in the country, calling attention to the destabilizing impact of these groups on the civilian population and the broader stability of the DRC.
The joint statement went on to criticize the current administration under Tshisekedi, accusing it of operating in a dictatorial manner. Kabila and Katumbi called for a united political front to challenge the government’s actions and demanded efforts to address the ongoing crisis. The criticism reflects the growing discontent with Tshisekedi’s leadership, as many Congolese citizens and political figures feel that his government has failed to address the country’s security and political challenges adequately.
Both Kabila and Katumbi have faced accusations from the Congolese government, which claims that the two are collaborating with Rwanda. Kinshasa has long accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels, a charge that Rwanda has denied. The United Nations has also leveled similar accusations against Rwanda, further complicating the regional dynamics. These allegations have added to the already tense relations between the DRC and its neighboring country.
The partnership between Kabila and Katumbi marks a shift in the political landscape of the DRC. Historically, the two men were political rivals, with Kabila serving as president for over 18 years and Katumbi positioning himself as a strong opposition leader. The last public appearance of the two leaders together was in 2022, when they attended a forum in the DRC. During that event, they made headlines when they shook hands, signaling a potential thaw in their frosty relationship. Their joint statement now suggests that this gesture of reconciliation was more than symbolic, with the two leaders actively working together to challenge the current government.
Their alliance is significant in a country like the DRC, where political opposition has often been fragmented, and the ruling party has maintained a tight grip on power. The joint criticism of Tshisekedi comes at a time when the country is grappling with numerous challenges, including armed conflict, economic instability, and political unrest. The M23 insurgency in the eastern DRC has been particularly concerning, with the rebel group seizing territory and exacerbating tensions between the DRC and Rwanda. The ongoing conflict has displaced thousands of civilians, further straining the country’s already fragile infrastructure.
The partnership between Kabila and Katumbi raises questions about the future direction of Congolese politics. While they have not yet formed a formal political alliance, their shared concerns about the government’s handling of the country’s crises suggest that they may be positioning themselves as key figures in the opposition ahead of future elections. Kabila, despite stepping down from the presidency in 2019, still holds significant influence in the DRC, while Katumbi remains a prominent figure in the political opposition.
As the situation in the DRC continues to unfold, the growing alliance between Kabila and Katumbi could play a pivotal role in shaping the country’s political future. Their joint criticism of Tshisekedi highlights the increasing disillusionment with his leadership and may galvanize other opposition forces to unite in the face of what they describe as a deteriorating political climate. However, the accusations of foreign interference and the complex regional dynamics will likely remain key challenges in the ongoing struggle for control and stability in the DRC.
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